We Need to Talk

Drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and years of real-world experience, We Need to Talk provides a practical framework for navigating difficult conversations with confidence and empathy. Whether you’re dealing with workplace conflicts, team dynamics, or challenging personal discussions, this book equips you with the tools to transform confrontational situations into opportunities for growth and understanding. No scripts, no shortcuts—just proven strategies that work.

Who Should Read This Book #

If you work with other humans, this book is for you. Whether you’re a leader trying to build psychological safety on your team, an individual contributor navigating tricky workplace dynamics, or someone who wants to get better at having hard conversations, you’ll find practical tools here. While the examples come primarily from technology and creative fields, the framework works across industries and various roles. You’ll learn how to transform potentially confrontational situations into opportunities for growth and understanding, all while staying true to your authentic communication style. This isn’t about becoming a conflict expert—it’s about you feeling confident and capable when those inevitable tough conversations arise.

What People Are Saying #

To hear what people say about this book is truly an honor. I hope that when you read it, you find something that supports you in the way it’s supported these folks.

Takeaways #

• Learn the core principles underlying difficult conversations.
• Delve into how your brain processes conflict.
• Study a multitude of techniques for maintaining psychological safety.
• Learn to apply practical solutions to solving real-world problems.
• Practice handling difficult conversations in your own authentic way.
• Figure out specific techniques for staying centered, asking the right questions, and keeping your cool when caught off guard.
• Learn how to navigate the tricky waters of conflict when you don’t agree with your boss.
• Study de-escalation techniques for a tense situation in order to guide conversations back to productive territory.

FAQ #

These common questions and their short answers are taken from We Need to Talk. You can find longer answers to each in your copy of the book, either printed or digital version.

Will this book give me scripts to follow for tough conversations?

No. There are no rigid scripts here (they never work in real life any-way). Instead, you’ll get a flexible framework and practical tools you can adapt to any situation. Think of it as building your own conversational toolbox rather than following someone else’s playbook.

What if someone springs a tough conversation on me out of nowhere?

You don’t always get the luxury of preparation. Don’t worry—this book teaches you specific techniques for staying centered, asking the right questions, and keeping your cool when caught off guard.

How do I deal with someone who gets defensive or emotional?

In short: psychological safety and redirection. You’ll learn practical ways to de-escalate tension and guide things back to productive territory.

What happens when we just can’t see eye-to-eye?

Not every conversation will end in agreement, and that’s okay. What matters is finding a way forward while keeping the relationship intact.

Table of Contents #

Pre-Order Now #

All that sound good to you? Great, here’s that pre-order link again:

Pre-Order Now