Comebacks at Work

Using Conversation to Master Confrontation

By: Kathleen Reardon, Christopher T. Noblet

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the workplace guide to putting "I wish I'd said" moments in the past.

Ever wish that you could have a "do over" after a conversation at work? Do you often find yourself regretting what you've said to a coworker - or kicking yourself for not saying something better, stronger, or more precise? If so, you're like most people, and in Comebacks at Work, management professor and consultant Kathleen Kelley Reardon, Ph.D., provides the tips and tools you need to know what to say - and how to say it better - next time.

In this compelling, entertaining book, Reardon argues that we are responsible for 75 percent of the way we're treated at work, and our success - or failure - at the workplace depends largely on how we handle ourselves in conversation with our colleagues. To break free of the stale scripts and expected actions that allow politically astute people to manipulate us, we must increase our conversational awareness and effectively employ what Reardon calls "comebacks".

Comebacks at Work provides a game plan for doing so and explains:

• Why some comebacks work, while others fall flat
• Why our mind goes blank when we are confronted, and how to overcome that response
• How to determine which comebacks work, and when to use them

Every conversation is different, and while many situations are common, one set of comebacks isn't enough. Offering a personalized repertoire of comebacks and a plan for using them strategically as well as the skills you will need to package them for maximum effect, Comebacks at Work will prepare you for any difficult conversation that comes your way.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2010 Kathleen Reardon, Christopher T. Noblet (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Enlightening Book

If I read this book a year ago, may be, I'll still be at my immediate past workplace. This book is so enlightening and empowering.

Insightful

This book provides a great eduction in how to become more skilled when dealing with and executing comebacks.

It also give lots of examples and samples to use while you develop your skill level when using comebacks.

This information can also be applied at home, with friends and family members.

Better than taking a seminar!

Actually learned a lot. It's more than just being wittty but also being better at handling situations where you're response is important. I think I'll read/listen to this one again to freshen up.

Like a Fly on the Wall in my Company

Would you listen to Comebacks at Work again? Why?

Yes! This book gave great REALISTIC examples of EVERYDAY confrontational situations. The examples and reasoning to utilize a specific response was broken down and analyzed for you and helped you to learn to do it yourself! It is the perfect book to not only learn how to handle these type situations but ideal as a refresher tool. Great Book!!!

Overflowing with Challenging Situations - MASTERED

Stories of challenging situations come to life with a variety of solutions, matched with practical tools that arm the listener. The "Comebacks" title caused met to hesitate since it conjured up images of the perfect zinger. I was looking for exactly what I got, seven hours of personal counseling on communicating more effectively despite the challenges presented.

While comebacks seemed a bit misleading initially, the book is true to its namesake by providing memorable "zingers" along with keys to analyze a comment that often paralyzes us or triggers self destructive responses. Intent and intensity of the confrontation allows you to focus on appropriate comeback decisions that not only serve to defend, they actually can garner respect and promote your image. Susan Ericksen's narration convinced me to purchase, and I am very grateful for this amazing personal growth opportunity. Very engaging narration made the learning even more enjoyable. I highly recommend.

Fills an Important Gap on Self Help Books for Human Interactions

The book flowed smoothly from one enlightening point to the next, balancing theoretical information with practical things to say when put on the spot. A substantive treatise, the authors go beyond the mere listing of clever things to say to a more probing exploration of human psychology to make sure users of comebacks consider many factors before responding -- thus facilitating temperance and good judgment at all times. I enjoyed this book and plan to listen to it again soon.

Ho Hum . . .

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I listened to this book immediately after listening to

If you’ve listened to books by Kathleen Reardon and Christopher T. Noblet before, how does this one compare?

Never listened to other books by this author

Would you listen to another book narrated by Susan Ericksen?

Possibly

Could you see Comebacks at Work being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Absolutely not

Any additional comments?

No

I needed this book in my life and now I have it

Thank you writers of this book. You did your part and you're very masterful people. I'm thoroughly and genuinely impressed and thrilled with these results.

This is a great book.

Exactly what I was looking for and I just bought the paperback to highlight and study

Not at all helpful

I was attracted to this book for the same reasons others were: to stop feeling like a doormat at the workplace. I struggled through this book and didn't find any of it helpful. The settings usually feel like they can only be used in an office setting, and I don't see how anyone can use the tips stated in this book without coming across like a chump. The premise for the book is flawed because it doesn't teach you how to stop feeling like a doormat, only to be mean to others in return.