“At last a book that delivers on its promises. I have found the approach, mindset and skills here invaluable for creating stronger relationships and enhancing leadership excellence. If you want more transparency, integrity and accountability in your conversations then I strongly recommend this book.”

Peter Collyer
Vice President of Global Human Resources, Disney

“It is so easy to see myself (and others!) in so many of the situations Alec describes… but what is really excellent about this book is the practical, doable behaviour changing solutions. I wish I’d read the book before my first job, before my first marriage, before my first child… fortunately, it’s not too late, even now!”

Ipe Jacob
Senior Partner Financial Markets Group, Grant Thornton

“In an era where leadership needs to be more humble, we also need to be honest with those around us. Alec’s book is a fantastic manual to help people do the right thing, the hard thing, the difficult thing.”

Aaron McCormack
CEO, BT Conferencing

“In today’s current economic climate, business survival will depend heavily on a leader’s willingness to face up to reality and engage others in difficult conversations that will either make or break the company’s future. If you’re serious about your own development, your key relationships and your company’s success then make this book a priority.”

Graham Kingsmill
CEO Maxima and former CEO, SAP UK

“I have over the years been asked to review several business books. Quite frankly most of them are as boring as cold toast! Alec’s book is thankfully not one of those. I found when I started reading it I didn’t want to stop. I learnt things I frankly should have known, and am ashamed of getting wrong for so long, simple but effective techniques. I heartily recommend it.”

Jo Haigh
Head of Corporate Finance, MGR and author of Tales from the Glass Ceiling, A Survival Guide for Women in Business

“The ability to step up and successfully engage in a vital conversation is a key attribute of an effective leader and yet surprisingly, this skill set is usually absent from leadership development programmes. My research into emerging leadership paradigms reveals that this aspect of communication skills is crucial for success in today’s complex business environments. Alec’s approach to raising tough issues with transparency, integrity and respect is both refreshing and inspiring.”

Vlatka Hlupic
Professor of Business and Management, Westminster Business School

“What are the most critical incidents which have shaped you as a leader? This book is an invaluable resource to aid your ability to undertake those defining conversations that can either make or break a team, relationship or key project. I recommend it highly.”

Megan Reitz
Client & Programme Director, Ashridge Business School

“At last, a robust yet accessible book that guides you like a SATNAV through the complexities of your most difficult conversations.”

Jan Bloomfield
Executive Director of Workforce & Communications, West Suffolk Hospital

“A rich and valuable resource... Alec Grimsley offers his readers the insights, the tools, and the courage to tackle their most dreaded, stomach-churning conversations. Best of all, his highly ethical approach lights the way to honest dialogue and genuine understanding.”

Adele Faber
co-author of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk and Siblings Without Rivalry

“What is left unsaid often causes more problems than what is said. This book takes the fear out of those difficult conversations we’d all rather avoid. It’s clear, well organised and, above all, totally practical, with strategies that can transform your business and personal life.”

Jurgen Wolff
author of Successful Scriptwriting and Your Writing Coach

“Alec Grimsley has provided an invaluable addition to the difficult/vital conversation arena. If you read one self development book this year make sure it’s this one!”

Malcolm Stern
Channel 4 presenter, psychotherapist and specialist in conflict resolution

“This book is largely common sense, but a kind of common sense that is rare. When faced with the need to have, or during, a vital conversation, most of us are beset with a variety of strong emotions, and then our good sense flies out of the window. This book illustrates many situations with clear examples from home and work life, and walks the reader through a series of approaches and preparatory processes that should make our vital conversations far less daunting and more rewarding – for both parties. A vital read!”

Sir John Whitmore
author of Coaching for Performance and Chair of Performance Consultants International

“An essential read for any CEO who must have that conversation to make the impossible possible.”

Chris Bown
Chief Executive, West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust