About this source
Tools for talking when stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong — a guide to handling life's most difficult conversations.
Frameworks extracted
12 totalCOMmonths
The Crucial Conversations Framework
Seven principles that transform how you handle high-stakes dialogue
MINDweeks
The Path to Action Model
See, tell a story, feel, act — trace your reactions back to the interpretation you chose
PRODdays
Move to Action (Decision-Making Methods)
Dialogue without decisions is just conversation — clarify who does what by when
COMweeks
AMPP Listening (Explore Others' Paths)
Use asking, mirroring, paraphrasing, and priming to hear what others really mean
COMweeks
STATE My Path
Share your views persuasively without provoking defensiveness using five skills
MINDmonths
Master My Stories (Path to Action)
Separate facts from the stories you tell yourself before emotions take over
COMweeks
The CRIB Method
Find mutual purpose when you and the other person want different things
COMdays
Contrasting
Fix misunderstanding with a don't/do statement that restores safety instantly
COMweeks
Make It Safe (Mutual Purpose and Mutual Respect)
People do not get defensive about what you say — they get defensive because they do not feel safe
COMweeks
Learn to Look (Silence and Violence Patterns)
Watch for signs that safety is at risk before dialogue breaks down
COMdays
Start with Heart
Clarify what you really want before opening your mouth
COMweeks
The Pool of Shared Meaning
Dialogue works when everyone contributes their meaning to a shared pool