Difficult Conversations (HBR 20-Minute Manager Series). Harvard Business Review

You have to talk with a colleague about a fraught situation, but you're worried that they'll yell, or blame you, or shut down. You fear your emotions could block you from a resolution. But you can communicate in a way that's constructive–not combative. Difficult Conversations walks you through:Uncovering the root cause of frictionMaintaining a positive mind-setUntangling the problem togetherAgreeing on a way forward Don't have much time? Get up to speed fast on the most essential business skills with HBR's 20-Minute Manager series. Whether you need a crash course or a brief refresher, each book in the series is a concise, practical primer that will help you brush up on a key management topic. Advice you can quickly read and apply, for ambitious professionals and aspiring executives–from the most trusted source in business. Also available as an ebook.