About the Book
The way we traditionally approach feedback, accountability, and performance management often leaves us feeling miserable despite applying all the best practices we have learned.
In The Disconnect Principle, Ann Latham provides a new framework that will change the way you think and let you be the kind of human being you want to be: fair, empathic, authentic, and effective.
Our traditional approach to feedback, accountability, and performance management prevents us from being the kind of human beings we want to be. We carefully prepare scripts that fail us in the heat of the moment. We guard our facial expressions and body language to hide our anxiety, doubt, and compassion. We often feel miserable and rarely accomplish what we hoped, despite our best efforts. We hate feeling mean or insensitive. We'd rather be kind and empathic. But we have to do our job, so ...
But it doesn't have to be that way!
Instead of mastering difficult conversations, eliminate them with the Disconnect Principle!
The Disconnect Principle provides the missing link that will change the way you think about feedback, accountability, and performance management forever. This is the approach that will allow you to be the empathic and effective manager, employee, or peer that you would like to be. This is your opportunity to:
Replace fear and avoidance with timely, confident action.
Eliminate painful conversations in favor of mutually agreeable problem solving.
Put an end to continued or worsening problems and enjoy performance enhancing commitment in its place.
Build trust and collaboration instead of having difficult conversations that damage relationships, sometimes irreparably.
My epiphany occurred when I debriefed a client following a tough conversation with an employee. Beforehand, I taught him all the best practices for giving feedback, helped him narrow his focus to a specific observed behavior and its impact, talked about how to frame the conversation and what words to avoid, and discussed ways to resolve the problem. He walked into that meeting feeling tall and confident . He walked out in pain. When he told me what happened, the Disconnect Principle was born -- I suddenly recognized what was missing from all the advice we have all learned so well.
The Disconnect Principle itself is remarkably simple.
My clients immediately see the power in this approach and "We have a disconnect" becomes an integral part of their daily language. They quickly appreciate how the Disconnect Principle:
Shifts the conversation away from judgment
Avoids triggering defensiveness
Makes is possible to be objective about what did or didn't happen
Leads to mutually respectful problem-solving
About the Author :
ANN LATHAM, known widely as the Queen of Clarity, is the author of The Power of Clarity, a modern classic; The Disconnect Principle, a game changing paradigm shift that takes the difficulty out of difficult conversations; The Clarity Papers, a guide to better, faster results; and Uncommon Meetings, a short and powerful primer for short and powerful meetings. She is also the founder of US-based consulting firm Uncommon Clarity, which, for 20 years, served clients representing over 40 industries and ranging from organizations such as Boeing, Hitachi, and Medtronic to non-profits such as the Public Broadcasting Service, United Way, and colleges and universities.Ann's advice has appeared in many publications such as The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Management Today. She is also an expert contributor for Forbes.com. One of Ann's fondest moments was when she finally received a framed corporate certificate that was actually worth framing and saving: The Person Most Likely To Dispute Recognized Authorities.
Review :
The Disconnect Principle bridges the gap in previous training I've received on feedback and coaching. Ann provides clear examples of how to improve both of these critical tasks every employee and manager have. These tips work in multiple aspects of our personal lives as well. The Disconnect Principle should be required reading for all people who lead/manage others.
Mark Davis, Director Food Safety, PepsiCo
At The Business Influencer Magazine we champion the dissemination of thought provoking ideas that can change the world and make us better human beings. Ann's latest book is one such offering. If you hate those miserable conversations about performance, The Disconnect Principle will make all the difference. It's another brilliant book from Ann Latham with the power to change how we think. Dare I say - it's as disruptive in nature as her last book, The Power of Clarity.
Ninder Johal DL, publisher, The Business Influencer Magazine
Ann Latham's Disconnect Principle will make one of a manager's toughest jobs - giving feedback - smoother and more rewarding. The mindset shift she recommends will take the sting out of difficult performance conversations and let you be the empathic, effective leader you aspire to be.
Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive, and To Sell Is Human
Just when I thought Ann Latham couldn't demystify and simplify another critical leadership/management concept that vexes all of us, here comes The Disconnect Principle. Like The Power of Clarity, Ann's new book unlocks easy to implement frameworks.
Dan Horowitz, Senior Director, LinkedIn
We all know feedback is a necessary and important part of improving at work - but delivering it can be awkward for many managers. The Disconnect Principle will change how you manage employee performance forever, helping you lead with pragmatism and empathy.
Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Duke University Fuqua School of Business
The Disconnect Principle is packed with engaging examples and practical advice to improve your team's dialogue today. Fantastic!
Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is the Thinkers50 #1 Executive Coach and New York Times bestselling author of The Earned Life, Triggers, and What Got You Here Won't Get You There
