Managers need top-flight communication skills to keep their staffs productive and collaborative. But often, those who manage lack the ability to get things back on track once miscommunication occurs. This book helps readers analyze their communication skills and challenges and explains how they can use simple problem-solving techniques to resolve the people issues that derail productivity at work. Easily accessible and filled with real world management examples, the book shows readers how to: - Set clear expectations - Ask questions that will help them uncover the facts, meet business objectives, and preserve relationships - Sharpen listening skills to grasp information better in every conversation - Avoid imprecise judgments based on emotional reactions - Provide useful feedback - Encourage collaborative interactions - Delegate more effectively - Improve performance discussions by turning judgments into observable facts - Build trusting and lasting relationships This no-nonsense guide is packed with practical tools to help any manager be immediately effective, as well as a handy list of common communication problems and corresponding solutions.