Fourteen years ago, while searching for term paper quotes, I came across a previous edition of this book in the stacks of the college library. The lengthy title whet my appetite and I took it home. Not only did I glean a quote and ace the paper; the contents became my life trumpet as I sought to headstand my way through our upside down culture. One of the most poignant aspects of the experience was on the book's dust cover where the due date was stamped. It revealed that the book had not been checked out for over seven years. This was a striking example of the author's premise that no one cared to even explore where the "I/me" approach to life might be wrong. Hidden in the dusty shelves was a treasure that is still relevant today.

In this short and readable book, Yankelovich presents a theory of communication, based on his own understanding of dialogue. The book functions on a number of different levels: first, it provides useful strategies for anyone in a leadership position as to how to break through the stalemate and gridlock which are so frequently found in complex organizations; the strategies presented also have an application to everyday life, and can be useful in interpersonal communication within the family as well. Finally, the book also presents a theoretical framework which undergirds the structure. The principles are illustrated with a number of examples and anecdotes that help flesh out the author's meaning.

In our brave new world of interdependent global economies and fragmenting societies, communicating effectively with one another has become indispensable to our success and even to our survival. In his new book, noted social scientist and observer of human nature Daniel Yankelovich provides a diagnosis of our main communication problems and then a prescription for their cure. Doing dialogue sounds like a simple task, but doing it well requires attention and skills that are not common in our culture. Yankelovich offers specific information on how to conduct successfully dialogue to today's managers, executives, and other leaders, so that they can improve their effectiveness on all fronts.

This book is the best book on the art of creating Dialogue I have ever read ...it is easy to read w/ excellent examples of real life use...Daniel Yankelovich has answered several questions about previous communications I've had over the years that simply did not meet my expectations...after reading this wonderful book I will undoubtedly have much better communication skills and wish I could go back in time and relive several lost opportunities to connect w/ people.