Author

Kerry Patterson summaries

2 summaries on Durar

Kerry Patterson, writing alongside his colleagues Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler, is known for practical books on the moments that quietly shape our lives: the hard conversations we avoid and the habits we cannot seem to break, both grounded in research with real people rather than slogans. Start with Crucial Conversations, because learning to speak honestly and calmly when emotions run high makes almost everything else easier, then move to Change Anything, which explains why willpower alone rarely works and shows how to reshape the personal, social and environmental forces around you so that good habits finally hold. Managers leading teams, family business owners, parents, and anyone working through a strained relationship or a stubborn habit across the region will find in these summaries tools they can use the very next day.

Change Anything

Change stubborn habits by reshaping the forces around you, breaking harmful patterns, and building an environment that makes progress last.

15 min

Listen to the intro

1:32

What is Change Anything about?

Change Anything (2011) explains why willpower alone rarely changes bad habits, and how to succeed by changing the forces around you. Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler describe six sources of influence, personal, social, and environmental, that shape behaviour, and show how to use them to improve careers, health, finances, and relationships. The book is based on research with thousands of people.

Who should read Change Anything?

Anyone who keeps failing to break a bad habit
People who rely on willpower but keep slipping back
Professionals aiming to improve their health, finances or career

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Crucial Conversations

Navigate high-stakes conversations with calm, honesty, and respect to build trust, resolve conflict, and create meaningful progress.

14 min

Listen to the intro

1:22

What is Crucial Conversations about?

Crucial Conversations (2002) teaches how to handle high-stakes conversations where opinions differ and emotions run strong. Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler show how to stay focused on what you really want, keep the conversation safe, share your views honestly, and listen to others so that dialogue leads to better decisions. The book is widely used in workplaces and families around the world.

Who should read Crucial Conversations?

Managers who must address tough issues with their teams
Anyone who avoids difficult conversations at work or home
Parents and spouses seeking calmer, more honest family discussions

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About Kerry Patterson

Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler are the team behind VitalSmarts, now Crucial Learning, a company that trains people in communication and behaviour change. Together they have written several bestselling books on workplace communication and influence. Their works include Crucial Conversations, Influencer, and Change Anything.

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