Customer Reviews

Be Your Own Executive Coach: Master High Impact Communications Skills for: Dealing With Difficult People, Improving Your Personal Image, Learning How to Listen and Solving Business Problems Creatively

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The book provides a person with my background (a science nerd turned into a hi-tech manager) well founded, well explained and 100% scientific approach to business communications. It teaches HOW to take 100% responsibility for listening and speaking. It is easy to advice not to react emotionally to what other person says, and everybody does it in their books. In contrast, this book teaches techniques that make emotional reaction unnecessary, without any artificial self control. When reading this book I realized that emotions in response to what others say result from the lack of the kind of analysis the author suggests to do: evaluate the message as being valid/invalid, conversation as being equal/unequal, always know where you are in any conversation. Making this analysis a habit accomplishes two goals: it makes clear and explicit (illuminates) what is actually going on, and moves you to the analytical kind of reaction instead of emotional. The book helped me to realize that emotions often result from the fear similar to the fear people experience in a dark maze. The analysis presented in the book results in always knowing where you are in a conversation, illuminates the maze, and removes the fear and all associated emotions. The author also provides clear guidance and scripts for what to do and what not to do when listening, which also builds confidence and thus lowers the emotion. In the section on speaking I liked the classification of speaking (coaching, declarations), the structured approach to speaking, and examples and scripts that are provided. I found it helpful to always know what you are doing when speaking. Then I can take control, and take the 100% responsibility for the outcome. The conversation management techniques (goals, time, exits, getting attention and commitments) are also invaluable. Reading the book had immediate effect on all of my relationships (I have a wife, three kids, a job and a lot of friends).

This book is a godsend! Where was Delisser when I needed him? Thankfully I found both Delisser and his book recently and it has definately changed my outlook on communications. The book is focused on two issues: listening and speaking. There are several drills which the reader will find very helpful to changing his or her views on the process of communication.

One of the best chapters is titled "How to be effective in a world of no listeners" (which could have been an alternate title for this book) The concept is deceptively simple: we must take 100% responsibility for making sure people understand our message, no matter how poorly they listen. Delisser's book shows the reader the fundamentals, drills them extensively, and makes the overall process enlightening and entertaining.

This book is terrific! It describes, simply and practically, ways people communicate, and ways to be more effective. I recognized myself and others, and learned approaches that seemed "too easy" to work, yet they do! deLisser describes an easy-to-use framework for communicating, that can help everyone at work and at home! My wife liked these techniques so much she started using them, also. I buy this book for everyone I know who gets a new job!

I am not an executive in Big Business; I am a theater professional, living in a village in the New York metropolitan area; I have a family; I am a pro bono community activist. Mr. deLisser's techniques are useful in all quarters of my varied life.

From trying achieve consensus in a rehearsal process to motivating committee members of a library board, Mr. deLisser's system works. The reader will also find the book helpful in domestic communications from the kitchen to the bedroom.

I can highly recommended this book

Superbly written and practically presented! -- Peter presents a set of useful day to day practices that comprise a 'winning strategy to maximize individual communication effectiveness.' This work is a 'leader's guide' to effective listening, impactful conversation and positive relationship building actions. It is must reading - not once - but again and again for every individual that expects to produce results through others. I recommend it to myclients as I implement organizational change in corporation after corporation.

This is a surprisingly fun book to read. Peter deLisser's "in your face" tone is hard to resist. He hammers in each point and then repeats it again for good measure. His main point -- to which he dedicates at least one-half of the book -- is the importance of being a "responsible listener." Listeners are made, not born, he believes. With practice and knowledge, you too can become a great listener -- and oh boy, the places you'll go then! Seriously, the tools and techniques in this book are very good and helpful not only in business but in personal relationships. The art of listening without reacting defensively is a real diamond in human relationships. It can turn many difficult discussions into experiences that bring people closer.

We sent a copy of Be Your Own Executive Coach to our group consultants and professional colleagues. Our company must develop strong relationships by listening for a client's struggles."Listen - don't pitch." Peter deLisser's book is a guide for developing personal success and a powerful corporate culture. Peter's coaching system fits all individual learning systems - refresher, study drill or experiential. And, if you think the book is effective and has impact; work with Peter in person. What you read is what you get in person - only more so!

Peter deLisser's book mostly met my expectations, but didn't dazzle me. Some of the chapters are outstanding and the parts on "roadblocks to communication" and "reponsible listening" alone probably justify the purchase of the book, particularly at this price. Other parts of the books I found to be average.

Most of our lives it's not uncommon to hear someone say "be quiet and listen...". Or perhaps it was "you're not listening to me..." I know I have used those words many times. However, in all of the years (47) I can't recall receiving very explicit instructions on how to listen... Never see "How to Listen" courses or conferences. Have seen much written on how to speak etc. Perhaps I looked in all the wrong places. In any case I finally found listening instructions in a book about coaching. Go figure! The 30 pages on listening are what make this worth reading. One quickly comes to understand why it appears as if nobody is listening to you; only 5% have been trained to listen. One quickly learns listening technique which has been invaluable to my career and personal life as well. This one stays on the reference shelf!

I liked this book. It is a fairly quick read and makes you reconsider how you communicate with co-workers, family, friends, and acquaintances.