Why Didn't You Say That in the First Place?: How to Be Understood at Work

Preface xi

Acknowledgements xvii

The Author xix

Part One Why Nobody Understands You

1 For Your Ears Only: Why Misunderstanding Is Normal 3

2 Beyond Mind Reading: The Power of Strategic Talk 24

Part Two How You Can Increase the Odds in Your Favor

3 When Words Are Deeds: Talk That Make Work Happen 51

4 Hearing Is Believing: Talk and the Written Word 72

5 Differences That Make a Difference: Talking Across Stereotypes 92

Part Three What Your Organization Can Do to Help

6 Building a Culture That Supports Understanding 113

7 Communicating When Understanding Is Critical 135

8 Creating a New Accountability 155

References 175

Index 177