Learning Resources
New Feedback Conversation Kits
Watch Sheila, Doug, and their talented colleagues teach invaluable conversation skills in the new Feedback Conversation Kits.
Through a series of short videos and quick prep sheets, the Feedback Conversation Kits focus on what’s most essential for creating rich and rewarding conversations.
Articles & Interviews
The Oprah Winfrey Show: The Podcast
From April 27, 1999: Oprah dedicates a show to women who have a hard time expressing their true feelings when in difficult situations and conversations. New York Times Business Bestselling authors of Difficult Conversations, Doug Stone and Sheila Heen, discuss why some conversations are more difficult than others, teach what they call the doubling technique and give advice for tough scenarios.
Find the Coaching in Criticism - Harvard Business Review
What makes receiving feedback so hard? The process strikes at the tension between two core human needs—the need to learn and grow, and the need to be accepted just the way you are. As a result, even a seemingly benign suggestion can leave you feeling angry, anxious, badly treated, or profoundly threatened. Getting better at receiving feedback starts with understanding and managing those feelings.
Ask An Expert Series: Featuring Sheila Heen - The New York Times
This series of Ask an Expert features Sheila Heen, an expert in the field of conflict negotiation. Sheila answers reader questions about how to resolve disputes in families and businesses: from who is hosting the holiday party to how to tell your employees there is no year-end bonus.
Getting Feedback Right - The Center for Effective Philanthropy
“What kind of feedback is most helpful to you?”
“What sort of coaching would be most useful?”
“What should I know about how you receive feedback that would help me give you feedback constructively?”
“What’s your thinking on the role of feedback and how to give it? What do you find challenging about it, and what can I do to help?”
Too often people think they are supposed to guess the answers to these questions. Don’t guess; talk about it.
Worksheets
We recommend you use this guide with your team to stimulate rich discussions around feedback preferences and how you can improve the feedback culture together.