Communicate with courage : taking risks to overcome the four hidden challenges

Clear communication requires the courage to confront the psychological blocks that hold you back. Learn how to become a more fearless and peerless communicator. Raising your game as a communicator is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world, but it takes courage to open up to others and invite others to open up to you. As a lifelong communication coach, Michelle Gladieux has discovered four sneaky obstacles that can keep you from becoming the best communicator you can be: Hiding—Fear of exposing your supposed weaknesses Defining—Putting too much stock into assumptions and being quick to judge Rationalizing—Using “being realistic” to shield yourself from taking chances, engaging in conflict, or doing other scary but potentially rewarding actions Settling—Stopping at “good enough” instead of aiming for something better in your interactions These challenges all have something in common. They require taking risks—to reveal yourself, question your beliefs, take a leap of faith, or move out of your comfort zone. Each chapter includes a real-world practice called a Pro Move and an exercise, both carefully crafted to help you overcome hang-ups and take more joy in communicating. Courageous communication requires self-knowledge, practice, and a desire to grow. It is a full-body, full-mind, and full-heart effort. This book is like having a caring, expert coach along with you for the journey. "Clear communication requires the courage to confront the psychological blocks that are holding you back. Learn how to become a fearless and peerless communicator. As a lifelong communication coach, Michelle Gladieux has discovered the four sneaky psychological obstacles that can keep you from becoming an effective communicator: Hiding-Fearing your low self-confidence will expose your supposed weaknesses; Defining-Putting too much stock into your assumptions and being quick to judge right and wrong; Rationalizing-Using "being realistic" to shield yourself from taking chances, engaging in conflict, or doing other scary but potentially rewarding actions; Settling-Stopping at "good enough" instead of pushing for something better. What all these challenges have in common is they require taking risks-to reveal yourself, to question your beliefs, to take a leap of faith, or to move out of your comfort zone. As a response, each chapter includes a Pro Move, or a best practice, and an exercise designed to help you overcome your fears and become a powerful communicator. Courageous communication requires self-knowledge, practice, and a fierce desire to continually improve; this book is like having an expert coach along with you for every step of the journey"-- Provided by publisher Cover Half Title Title Copyright Dedication Contents Preface Introduction Chapter 1. Strength in Vulnerability (Saying "Nobody's Perfect," and Meaning It) Chapter 2. Understand Risk to Improve Your Relationships and Career Chapter 3. The Hunt for Hidden Challenges (The Blind Spots You Most Need to See) Chapter 4. Hidden Challenge #1: Hiding from Risk Chapter 5. Hidden Challenge #2: Defining to Be Right Chapter 6. Hidden Challenge #3: Rationalizing the Negative Chapter 7. Hidden Challenge #4: Settling for "Good Enough" Chapter 8. Risks Not Worth Taking Chapter 9. The Most Important Conversations to Have Chapter 10. The Complete Risk-Taking Communicator Conclusion Notes Gratitude Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z About the Author