Fierce Conversations Quotes

“Err on the side of inclusion, rather than exclusion. Send”
― Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time

“I am reminded of the story of the man who visits a Zen master. The man asks, “What truths can you teach me?” The master replies, “Do you like tea?” The man nods his head, and the master pours him a cup of tea. The cup fills and the tea spills. Still the master pours. The man, of course, protests, and the master responds, “Return to me when you are empty.” The lesson here is that we need to empty ourselves of our preconceived beliefs in order to be open to a broader, more complex reality.”
― Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time

“Our intelligence, even our genius, is not given to us so we can brag or take credit for it. It is given to us so that we can be of service to others in some meaningful way.”
― Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time

“MINERAL RIGHTS: A SIMPLIFIED VERSION 1. What is the most important thing you and I should be talking about? 2. Describe the issue. What’s going on relative to _________? 3. How is this currently impacting you? Who or what else is being impacted? The emphasis is on the word “current,” so keep your partner focused on current impact and results. Ask, “What else?” at least three times. Probe feelings. When you consider these impacts, what do you feel? Let’s say they respond, “I feel frustrated.” Say, “Frustrated. Say more about that.” 4. If nothing changes, what are the implications? You could say, “Imagine it is a year later and nothing has changed. What is likely to happen?” Ask, “What else?” “What’s likely to happen for you?” Probe feelings. When you consider those possible outcomes, what do you feel? 5. How have you helped create this issue or situation? If someone says, “I don’t know,” then ask the question with which you’ve become familiar by now, “What would it be if you did know?” Don’t comment on the response other than to say, “That’s useful to recognize.” Don’t agree with them and pile on criticism. Move on. 6. What is the ideal outcome? When this is resolved, what difference will that make? Ask, “What else?” Probe feelings. When you contemplate these possibilities, what do you feel? 7. What’s the most potent step you can take to begin to resolve this issue? What exactly are you committed to do and when? When should I follow up with you?”
― Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time

“I talk about the purposes of fierce conversations. Interrogate reality. Provoke learning. Tackle tough challenges. Enrich relationships.”
― Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time

“Yes, the conversation is the relationship. One conversation at a time, you are building, destroying, or flatlining your relationships.”
― Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving success in work and in life, one conversation at a time

“Life isn't safe, isn't meant to be safe. It's meant to be challenging, broadening, frightening even at times. Otherwise we're not having an adventure.”
― Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time