Communicate with Courage: Taking Risks to Overcome the Four Hidden Challenges
Michelle D. Gladieux
Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc. (2022)

Nothing ventured, nothing gained…and usually a great deal of value is lost

These are the four risks (“hidden challenges”) on which Michelle D. Gladieux focuses (Chapters 4-7):

1. Hiding from Risk
2. Defining to be Right
3. Rationalizing the Negative
4. Settling for “Good Enough”

Some risks are much less dangerous and others are much more dangerous than they may seem. I am again reminded of the lyrics in The Gambler, a song written by Don Schlitz and made popular by Kenny Rogers:

“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em
Know when to fold ’em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run.”

I mention all this by way of sharing my thoughts about this book in which Michelle D. Gladieux shares an abundance of information, information, insights, and counsel than can help almost anyone can make much better decisions — especially when under pressure — and then communicate more effectively to achieve the given objective(s).

Candid conversations with others and especially with one’s self usually (if not inevitably) require some degree of courage. The term “speaking to power” should include speaking to one’s self. Quite true, we cannot control everything that happens to us but we can control how we react and respond.  Frank discussions are by nature potentially dangerous. One of several reasons is that we may not have information that is accurate and sufficient. Also, Voltaire wisely suggests, “Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.”

I conclude this brief commentary with two suggestions of my own: Highlight key passages and keep a lined notebook near at hand in which to record your comments, questions, page references, and your responses to the end-of-chapter sets of “ProMove” initiatives. These two simple tactics will facilitate, indeed expedite frequent review of key material later.