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Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors, Second Edition

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The Right Phrase for Every Situation . . . Every Time Communication is the single most important skill for excelling as a manager. What you say and how you say it sets the tone for your department and your entire organization. Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors , second edition, has been completely revised to help you communicate in today’s workplace, where collaboration, cooperation, and personalization are critical to building an efficient, productive work environment. Learn the most effective language for:

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 30, 2004

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253 people want to read

About the author

Meryl Runion

25 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Amber.
59 reviews14 followers
July 17, 2018
If you are searching for something to help you initiate work related conversation with coworkers, this might help.

If you are the head of a study/project group and want to sound empowered, this book is definitely for you.

Otherwise, its a quick read with good examples. But definitely more of a "laying the ground work, leadership 101" type book.
Profile Image for Brenda M.
1 review
June 20, 2025
This book wasn’t bad. While I wouldn’t use the phrases exactly as they are written, it gives you a good idea on what to say and how to mold it to work for your specific business.
Profile Image for Jacob.
33 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2008
Want to throw a party themed like 'The Office'? With these perfect phrases you will be well equipped. From the poor performance review to the new employee this book covers almost any situation the modern workplace can throw at you. I keep a copy in my office and as a big joke, everyone seems to be able to get a laugh out of it.
Profile Image for Allegra S.
627 reviews11 followers
July 27, 2014
My favourite thing about this book is that it states that you will outgrow it. It is about finding your weaknesses and then getting ideas on how you can communicate better, with phrases you can adapt to your speaking style. I got a few good ideas from the first chapters, the others weren't really applicable.
Profile Image for Sarah Jensen.
2,092 reviews195 followers
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January 7, 2025
Book Review: Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors by Meryl Runion

In the realm of leadership and communication, "Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors" by Meryl Runion stands out as a practical guide for those seeking to enhance their managerial effectiveness. With a focus on clear and impactful communication, Runion provides readers with a toolkit of phrases tailored to a variety of workplace scenarios, making it an invaluable resource for both seasoned managers and those newly stepping into leadership roles.

Runion’s approach is straightforward—she compiles a wealth of ready-to-use phrases that address common challenges faced by managers and supervisors. From giving constructive feedback to motivating teams and conducting performance reviews, the phrases are designed to facilitate effective communication while fostering positive relationships within the workplace. This practical emphasis ensures that readers can readily apply the suggested phrases in real situations, making them feel more confident in their managerial role.

One of the book's strengths is its organization. Runion categorizes phrases by topics, such as conflict resolution, team building, and performance management. This structure allows readers to easily navigate the content and quickly find the phrases that best suit their specific needs. Furthermore, each section is supplemented by context and examples, helping readers understand when and how to use the provided phrases effectively.

However, while the book excels in offering practical phrases, some readers may find the lack of deeper exploration into the underlying principles of effective communication a drawback. The reliance on set phrases might lead to a mechanical approach to conversations, and some may argue that true managerial effectiveness requires more than just memorization of lines. A greater emphasis on the context of these phrases and the nuances of interpersonal communication could enhance the overall impact of the book.

Despite this minor critique, "Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors" is a valuable resource for anyone in a leadership position. Runion’s insights into the importance of language in management are timely, especially in a business environment that increasingly values emotional intelligence and effective communication. Moreover, her friendly and encouraging tone makes the book accessible, ensuring that readers feel empowered to adopt these phrases confidently.

In conclusion, Meryl Runion’s "Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors" is a highly practical guide that serves as an essential companion for those looking to refine their communication skills in a managerial context. While it may not dive deeply into the theoretical aspects of communication, the utility of its content and the ease of application make it a worthwhile addition to any manager's library. Whether you’re navigating tough conversations or striving to inspire your team, Runion’s book provides the perfect phrases to help you succeed.
22 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2019
Good info, hard to stay engaged

While there was a lot of good information and helpful tips it was hard to finish. Having actual stories of how some phrases were used would have helped make this book more relevant to me. I also felt some of the phrases were cold or distant. Coming from a clinic that puts a lot of energy into building a strong and close team dynamic... This book didn't evoke those feelings.
Profile Image for Charles Blevins II.
24 reviews
May 21, 2021
I really thought this book provided some insight on how to connect in conversation. I felt it provided some really good examples on how to direct a conversation being respectful and clear. Sometimes it’s a struggle, especially for a young manager, this book is a great reference for situations and when you don’t have experience conversing in specific situations.
Profile Image for Jamie is.
178 reviews
April 6, 2023
Sometimes I struggle with a tactful way to put things, and people say I’m too blunt. I also struggle with identifying when I should be less blunt… this book is a godsend for socially inept people like me who need to lead with enthusiasm, determination, and compassion.
Profile Image for Oksana.
138 reviews
May 13, 2018
Of cause you will not use all the phrases at ones, but it good to have a direction of open communicatiom
Profile Image for Courtney.
236 reviews
January 22, 2010
What a terrible book. It's nothing but a giant list of cliched phrases of management patter that make people hate vapid, ineffective managers in the first place.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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