The Magic of Dialogue: Transforming Conflict into Cooperation - Softcover

Yankelovich, Daniel

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1857882571 ISBN 13: 9781857882575

Publisher: Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2001

Synopsis

In the new global economy of increased diversity merging corporate cultures and eroding top-down authroity, more people participate in decision-making than ever before. Widely dispersed organizations with widely different interests and agendas oblige managers to make decisions in a climate of mistrust and misunderstanding. Decision makers must learn to argue less and "dialogue" more in this diverse and less hierarchical world. Dialogue is not just another form of conversation or discussion but a highly disciplined form of communication that can produce extraordinary results. This work should help managers at all levels master this indispensable communication skill.

About this title

Review

Dialogue--a carefully structured communications technique that is generally employed to promote mutual understanding between bona fide as well as potential adversaries--has been responsible for such seminal events as ending the cold war and initiating (albeit briefly) a Middle East peace accord. But business, says well-known social scientist and public-opinion specialist Daniel Yankelovich, also can utilize the process to develop "webs of relationships" that encourage the acceptance and increase the adoption of any company's plans and visions. The Magic of Dialogue outlines 15 specific strategies (such as "Focus on common interests, not divisive ones" and "Use specific cases to raise general issues") that can be successfully applied in situations ranging from routine meetings and casual encounters to corporate retreats and union negotiations. While admitting it "is not a panacea for all the problems that ail us," Yankelovich incorporates real-life examples and suggestions to support his contention that "when dialogue is done skillfully, the results can be extraordinary." --Howard Rothman

About the Author

Daniel Yankelovich is a leading interpreter of trends shaping American society and the global economy. As an advisor to large corporations, government agencies, universities, and communities for over forty years, he is regularly at the forefront of public issues. His new firm, Viewpoint Learning, Inc., teaches organizations how to foster new forms of leadership through dialogue. Yankelovich has received many honorary degrees and awards, including the prestigious Helen Dinerman Award from the World Association of Public Opinion Research. He lives in La Jolla, California, and New York.

Edition details

• Publisher: Nicholas Brealey Publishing
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1857882571
• ISBN 13: 9781857882575
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256