Crucial Conversations - Chapter 6

How much of the assigned reading did you complete this week?

What is the overriding theme of this chapter; what is it dealing with specifically?

What were the two rather bold and possibly unpopular claims that were made by the authors?

What was the problem with Maria's "professional silence"?  Was she even aware of the assumption that she was making?

What happens once those who are able to choke down reactions and get back to dialogue hit a rough spot in a crucial conversation?

What is so different about those who don't hide or suppress their emotions and who aren't held hostage by them?

How do feelings drive actions?

Do we always realize that we are telling ourselves stories?

Can we take control of our stories?  If we can, what happens when we do?

What are the skills we need to master our stories?

What are "hot" words?

What are "clever" stories?  What are the three types?

Why do we tell clever stories?

What do you think about the claims: "Like it or not, we usually don't begin telling stories that justify our actions until we have done something that we feel a need to justify."  and "When we don't admit to our own mistakes, we obsess about others' faults, our innocence, and our powerlessness to do anything other that what we're already doing."

How does the previous question relate to our work environment at Cal's?

What transforms a clever story into a useful one?

What is the best way to fill in the missing details?

How does this chapter apply to your work life?  Specifically, are there ways that you would benefit or the culture at Cal's would benefit by your application of this information?  Please explain your thoughts.