Mastering Communication at Work: How to Lead, Manage, and Influence [Hardcover]

Ethan F. Becker (Author), Jon Wortmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 17, 2009

Mastering Communication at Work is based on 45 years of research and working with over half-a-million clients around the world. From leaders of countries to leaders of companies to people just starting out in their career, Becker and Wortmann teach techniques that start with the essential wisdom of Aristotle and include the best practices in today’s global organizations.

The book includes interviews with leaders who reveal the inside story of the communication secrets at:

• The White House
  Doris Kearns Goodwin, presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize winning author
• Google
  Laszlo Bock, Vice President, People Operations
• EMI Publishing
  Big Jon Platt, President
• IBM
  Jeanatte Horan, Vice President of Enterprise Business Transformation
• Harvard Business School
  Tony Mayo, Director of the Leadership Initiative
• The New York Giants
  Peter John-Baptiste, Director of Public Relations

Mastering Communication at Work provides clear, actionable advice you can put to use right away and simple drills to practice during your next meeting, one-on-one conversation—or even sitting at your desk.

Use Mastering Communication at Work as your coach and you’ll see immediate results in yourself, your people, and your organization.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Learn the secrets of today’s greatest communicators!

Communication is a make-or-break skill for leaders and managers in every industry and workplace. Mastering Communication at Work delivers the skills you need to build your confidence, motivate your people, and, ultimately, enact measurable change throughout your organization.

Even people who seem to have a natural gift for leadership must practice the nuances of how they communicate every day. With the help of this book, anyone can learn the craft of powerful communication, and top performers can continuously hone their technique.

Providing expert insight into the subtleties of communication that affect the behavior of others, Mastering Communication at Work is designed to help you practice and test your new skills so you can quantify your progress. In no time, you will learn how to:

• Empower teams
• Reduce stress
• Garner trust
• Deliver memorable presentations
• Satisfy clients

Whatever your level of leadership or management, Becker and Wortmann teach essential communication skills—from creating a connection the moment you meet someone to effectively dealing with crisis situations requiring immediate action.

If you want your voice heard in every meeting, if you want others to share your vision, if you want your team to deliver results—you must become a master communicator. This book will put you on that path.

About the Author

Ethan F. Becker is president and second generation speech coach with The Speech Improvement Company, Inc.
Jon Wortmann is a Harvard trained speaker, advisor, and author. He is principal at Muse Arts, LLC, a think tank and consultancy for leaders.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (July 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 007162502X
• ISBN-13: 978-0071625029
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.8 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #17,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Substance rich, most critical nuances brought to life July 27, 2009

By M. Jason Hanold

Format:Hardcover

As a communications professional, I admit to being skeptical with each new Communications mastery book. A few pages in, I realized that I had stopped evaluating and started learning. What a delight it was to read this! Wortmann and Becker nailed the most important aspects of highly effective communications. Too often, aspiration titans of commerce focus more on the strategic and financial cirriculum within an MBA, without paying close attention to the "difference makers" contained within. Well worth the time to read and learn for this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful how to... October 16, 2009

By J. Therrien

Format:Hardcover

This book is an excellent compilation of stories, activities and practices that the reader can begin to apply immediately. Unlike most books that serve as a reference and stop after providing basic theories, this book dives right in to the "how" and empowers you to begin bridging your communication gaps.

After reading chapters of "Mastering Communication at Work" I began practicing based on the suggested activities, and noticed that I was learning a lot more than I had expected. The true measurement of success started when others at work were taking notice and sharing their excitement in regards to our improved communications.

Since sharing these exercises with my teams, we know refer to the book for reference on a frequent basis. Well worth the time to read, but don't stop there...take action!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Educators August 30, 2009

By Chris Manfredi

Format:Hardcover

This is a great book for educators! Being an educational leader, I need to be able to lead, manage, and influence the people I work with. This book helped me improve my communication skills and develop positive relationships with the people I work with. This book is basically for anyone. There are tips and strategies that will assist people in all occupations as well as in every day life.

I look forward to sharing this book with my school district and possibly using it for some professional development. Thank you.