What do you think?
Rate this book
Breaking Through Gridlock: The Power of Conversation in a Polarized World
The tough problems in the world are made harder when we can't even talk about them. We try to address issues that matter, but conversations break down because they become emotionally charged and we lose sight of our common goals. Scarred from these breakdowns with co-workers, family and friends, we find it easier and safer to stick with people who already agree with us.
Getting unstuck requires the courage to confront our own inner contradictions, and then to re-engage people in a newly authentic way. This book invites the reader to join a spirit of serious play, laughing at ourselves as we take on the important work of self-reflection and renewing our conversations. Changing Conversations to Change Our World includes six steps and a series of proven exercises to help readers along the way. Authors encourage readers to engage a friend to join them on the journey.
Getting unstuck requires the courage to confront our own inner contradictions, and then to re-engage people in a newly authentic way. This book invites the reader to join a spirit of serious play, laughing at ourselves as we take on the important work of self-reflection and renewing our conversations. Changing Conversations to Change Our World includes six steps and a series of proven exercises to help readers along the way. Authors encourage readers to engage a friend to join them on the journey.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2017
2 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Jason Jay
23 booksJason Jay is a senior lecturer and the director of the Sustainability Initiative at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, as well as a Doctorate in Organization Studies from MIT.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, as well as a Doctorate in Organization Studies from MIT.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 29, 2019
4.5
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
November 22, 2017
"Changing Conversations" is certainly timely as we could all examine our own emotional response to divisive issues and to respect others emotional response as we find ways to actually talk.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
September 8, 2017
This is a book that I will come back to again!
At first I didn't know if this book would apply to me, but it does! Chapters 1-6 helped me think about a personal struggle I've had for 3 years+. There are exercises which help you really think through your struggle and conversations that you need to have. It helps you understand why you avoid conversations or don't get the results you want from them. There are personal stories, which I found interesting. I liked the layout of this book.
The problem I had with this book is that I'm not political and don't talk to people about my views very much. So, at chapter 7-8, the book lost me. It went big-picture, and I am very detail-oriented. I did read the exercises and follow along because that helped me with my personal issue; however, I stopped reading the actual text because it didn't grab me because of my personality.
I recommend this book to everyone. If you are political and trying to get others to see your viewpoints, then this book is 5 stars. If you need help communicating in your personal life, this book really helps you think things through and helps you chose a better way of "being". I couldn't put it down until chapter 7. Engaging and helpful.
At first I didn't know if this book would apply to me, but it does! Chapters 1-6 helped me think about a personal struggle I've had for 3 years+. There are exercises which help you really think through your struggle and conversations that you need to have. It helps you understand why you avoid conversations or don't get the results you want from them. There are personal stories, which I found interesting. I liked the layout of this book.
The problem I had with this book is that I'm not political and don't talk to people about my views very much. So, at chapter 7-8, the book lost me. It went big-picture, and I am very detail-oriented. I did read the exercises and follow along because that helped me with my personal issue; however, I stopped reading the actual text because it didn't grab me because of my personality.
I recommend this book to everyone. If you are political and trying to get others to see your viewpoints, then this book is 5 stars. If you need help communicating in your personal life, this book really helps you think things through and helps you chose a better way of "being". I couldn't put it down until chapter 7. Engaging and helpful.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews