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CHICAGO — In an information landscape where change is the status quo, difficult conversations come with the territory. Being a library leader means knowing how to confidently steer these conversations so that they lead to productive results instead of hurt feelings, resentment, or worse. Employees in a library will also encounter conflict, especially during times of change. In their new book ,” published by , Catherine Soehner and Ann Darling walk readers through learning the skills to have effective difficult conversations that hold themselves and others accountable. Practice activities throughout the book will help readers feel prepared beforehand. After reading this book, library directors, managers, administrators, and team leaders will feel empowered to:

• proactively identify situations that require an intervention in order to avoid unnecessary complications or confrontations down the line;
• prepare for and initiate a difficult conversation, balancing a clear message with compassion to successfully manage change or handle personnel issues;
• diffuse volatile emotions by maintaining a calm, measured approach; and
• follow up a difficult conversation in writing, keeping the lines of communication open to ensure a way forward.

Soehner is the associate dean for research and user services at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah. She has held leadership positions in libraries since 1998. Darling is the assistant vice president of undergraduate studies, and an associate professor in the Communication Department at the University of Utah. She has been in leadership positions in higher education since 1996. Together, they have provided presentations on “effective difficult conversations” as part of the University of Utah Leadership Development Program since March 2013. The success of their presentation broadened their reach across campus and they began providing the same presentation for the Health Sciences Leadership Development Program for a total of four presentations each year.

purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. 91��ý authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact 91��ý Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.

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