Interpersonal communications

Overview

There can be a deep sense of urgency for change that drives us to action before we have fully aligned our purpose and outcomes. This can lead to disruptions, unnecessary conflict, and ultimate failure of our plans. Here are valuable guides for aligning intention and action to save energy, resources and time.

Overview

Major strategic initiatives need the solid foundation of a healthy organization to flourish. This includes effective internal communications, focused decision-making, useful performance evaluation, life-giving management, and conflict resolution. It is important to routinely check in on the health of these systems and make necessary adjustments.

Overview

Breaking the status quo and opening up new possibilities for equity and freedom in our work requires innovative experiments. Teams must ensure that all members have the ability to act on the vision and goals they are co-creating. By leveraging design thinking, inclusive practices, productive evaluation, and a clarity around your purpose, outcomes and roles, teams can better execute these experiments and pilot programs.

Help for connecting within teams.

1. Field Guide

Book

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

In Quiet, Susan Cain explores the hidden strengths of introverts and how society undervalues them. She traces the rise of the Extrovert Ideal and shows how it shapes our culture and workplaces. Through compelling stories and research, Cain highlights how introverts contribute deeply to innovation, leadership, and creativity. This thought-provoking book challenges how we define success and encourages a greater appreciation of quiet strength.

Susan Cain

order

1. Field Guide

Book

Assertiveness Workbook How To Express Your Ideas & Stand Up for Yourself at Work & in Relationships

Explore how to start and run your own private therapy practice. Learn how to set and maintain personal boundaries without becoming inaccessible. Become more genuine and open in relationships without fearing attack. Defend yourself when you are criticized or asked to submit to unreasonable requests.

Randy J Paterson

order

1. Field Guide

Tools and resources

What Psychological Safety Actually Means For Teams

Explore how trust in group works and why it matters.

Shane Snow

link

1. Field Guide

Book

Difficult Conversations

Learn a step-by-step approach to having tough conversations with less stress and more success.

Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen

order

1. Field Guide

Book

Negotiation Genius

Dramatically improve your negotiating skills and confidence, even in hostile and unethical situations.

Deepak Malhotra

order

SWITCH PATHWAYS

Pathway 1 | Preparing for Change

Pathway 2 | Awareness: Aligning Intention and Action

Pathway 3 | Analysis: Power

Pathway 4 | Action: Working on Structures

Pathway 5 | Action: Improving Team Health

Pathway 6 | Accountability: Testing Ideas

Pathway 7 | UWC Resources

GROW COMMUNITY

Giving thanks: We share these resources in gratitude to all of our teachers and with appreciation for the value they have brought us. The field guide is a living resource that we are consistently adding to. We receive no payment or kickbacks for sharing. Access and use of these resources should be done at one’s own discretion. If you see a resource you like, we encourage you to reach out to the author.

Have a resource to add? We are always looking to expand the resources we can share. If you have a tool/resource/link you would like to share with UWC and its partners, please email us: research@upwithcommunity.org.