Words Matter

Embracing the Power of Conversation

Stan H. Wisler

This book delves into the power of the conversation and the words we use. There is a tremendous need for people to be more thoughtful and careful with their words. Electronic transactions tend to be shorter and quicker and in many cases, delivered without much thought as to the impact of the message and the words. As soon as the words are spoken or written and received, it is too late to take them back. In addition, most conflicts and challenging situations could be avoided, minimized, and/or deescalated with an effective conversation. Effective and meaningful conversations do not come naturally but it is a skill that can be learned through education and practice. This book will walk you through effective principles and practices that can be used to enhance the probability of a good outcome from a challenging situation and conversation. The words we choose do make a difference and this fact needs to be at the forefront of our thought process as we enter a face to face conversation, compose an email, and send a text or place a social media post. This book will provide the tools necessary to begin a practice of meaningful and effective conversations.

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / School Bus Office Post Copub

Pages: 116 • Trim: 6½ x 9

978-1-4758-4610-2 • Hardback • September 2019 • $50.00 • (£32.95)

978-1-4758-4611-9 • Paperback • September 2019 • $25.00 • (£15.95)

978-1-4758-4612-6 • eBook • September 2019 • $23.50 • (£15.95)

Subjects: Education / Administration / School Superintendents & Principals, Education / Administration / General, Education / Decision-Making & Problem Solving, Education / Professional Development

Words Matter

Embracing the Power of Conversation

Hardback

Paperback

eBook

Summary

This book delves into the power of the conversation and the words we use. There is a tremendous need for people to be more thoughtful and careful with their words. Electronic transactions tend to be shorter and quicker and in many cases, delivered without much thought as to the impact of the message and the words. As soon as the words are spoken or written and received, it is too late to take them back. In addition, most conflicts and challenging situations could be avoided, minimized, and/or deescalated with an effective conversation. Effective and meaningful conversations do not come naturally but it is a skill that can be learned through education and practice. This book will walk you through effective principles and practices that can be used to enhance the probability of a good outcome from a challenging situation and conversation. The words we choose do make a difference and this fact needs to be at the forefront of our thought process as we enter a face to face conversation, compose an email, and send a text or place a social media post. This book will provide the tools necessary to begin a practice of meaningful and effective conversations.

Details

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / School Bus Office Post Copub

Pages: 116 • Trim: 6½ x 9

978-1-4758-4610-2 • Hardback • September 2019 • $50.00 • (£32.95)

978-1-4758-4611-9 • Paperback • September 2019 • $25.00 • (£15.95)

978-1-4758-4612-6 • eBook • September 2019 • $23.50 • (£15.95)

Subjects: Education / Administration / School Superintendents & Principals, Education / Administration / General, Education / Decision-Making & Problem Solving, Education / Professional Development

Author

Stan H. Wisler served for almost forty years as a manager and Chief Financial Officer in the field of public education. He has held several officer and leadership roles on the boards of various non-profit agencies.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1: Words and the Conversation Matter

Chapter 2: Deal With It

Chapter 3: Control Your Emotions

Chapter 4: Create Safe Space

Chapter 5: Speak From the Heart

Chapter 6: Listen for Understanding

Chapter 7: Allow for Differences

Chapter 8: Slow Down

Chapter 9: Reflection

Chapter 10: Create the Win-Win

Chapter 11: Embrace Every Opportunity

About the Author

Reviews

The need for meaningful and authentic conversations has never been greater. Stan Wisler’s book provides examples of how to have honest conversations that can be easily modified to make your own. Ethical leadership provides legitimacy through truthful conversations promoting openness, and leading through the heart modeling self-reflection and positivity.
— Claire Hertz, Vice-President, International Association of School Business Officials Deputy Superintendent of Business & Operations, Portland Public Schools, Oregon

WOW! Leave it to an accountant to predict the success or failure of a crucial conversation through a mathematical equation! This is a must read for anyone who wants to have more meaningful and productive conversations and relationships. This is Stan’s first book but I bet it won’t be his last.
— Charles E. Peterson, MBA, SFO, PCSBA, Immediate Past President, International Association of School Business Officials; Chief Financial Officer, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Pennsylvania

Conversations are a critical element of developing relationships that are so important to effective leadership. Stan Wisler’s book provides practical advice and techniques to guide conversations with the goal of a positive outcome to improve relationships. This book outlines effective practices that can be utilized in one’s personal and professional life and is a must read to support leaders at all levels to better understand the power of their words and the messages that are conveyed.
— Amy F. Sichel, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Abington, Pennsylvania, Past-President of AASA, Alexandria, Virginia

Words Matter

Embracing the Power of Conversation

Stan H. Wisler

Words Matter

Embracing the Power of Conversation

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