Praise for Conversations Worth Having
“Groundbreaking! Jackie and Cheri provide a great approach to improving communication in any setting. To be a great leader, read this book!”
—Loyd Beal III, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army
“This is the first book I would recommend for managers who want to be more effective and for those aspiring to be future leaders!”
—Daniel K. Saint, PhD, former Partner and Global Practice Leader, Deloitte
“Jackie and Cheri show us how to change the world one conversation at a time!”
—Lori Marsee Kuehn, Senior Manager, Global Employee Engagement, General Motors Company
“We often get stuck seeing the world through a distorted lens. Much may seem broken and unchangeable. Through this lens, doing great work is nearly impossible. That’s why—for leaders and managers—reading Cheri and Jackie’s book is essential. Their simple techniques help people move from problem to potential, creativity, and continuous growth.”
—Mark Levy, founder of Levy Innovation and author of Accidental Genius
“Jackie and Cheri offer the first practical guide to shift our conversations to bring the change we thirst for in ourselves, relationships, and organizations. The simplicity of their practices makes this my go-to resource for working with leaders.”
—Neil Samuels, President, Profound Conversations, and author of Brilliant: The Heathside Story
“We create our worlds through conversation. This book shows the difference between conversations that are generative and conversations that hold us back. It illuminates how Appreciative Inquiry can transform personal experience and offer organizations constructive paths forward.”
—Juanita Brown, cofounder of the World Café and author of The World Café
“An entertaining and fascinating read! Cheri and Jackie blend stories about personal and organizational conversations with how to frame conversations so people engage and take action. You will never look at your world of conversations quite the same way.”
—Irmgard von Wobeser, family and couples therapist, Centro Psicológico de Cancún
“Stavros and Torres brilliantly translate Appreciative Inquiry into everyday communication practices for enhancing relationships. Diverse stories about people who have actually applied their ideas make this book interesting, accessible, and highly useful.”
—Diana Whitney, PhD, founder of Corporation for Positive Change and cofounder of The Taos Institute
“This book is a timely gift. Jackie and Cheri’s work has significant relevance for our world of conversations, from individual and group to corporate and international interactions. Their appreciative approach is a welcome addition to the literature on effective communication.”
—Virinder Moudgil, President, Lawrence Technological University
“Conversation is how we understand each other and build trust. Cheri and Jackie marvelously show us how Appreciative Inquiry supports us. Their framing and flipping exercises are a gift. I will use this book in our workshops.”
—Kathy Becker, President and CEO, Company of Experts, Inc., and CEO, Center for Appreciative Inquiry
“A great work! A must-read for business managers and teams! Jackie and Cheri show us how we can positively impact people!”
—Massood Omrani, PhD, Managing Director, CADFEM Americas
“We carry on conversations in our minds without realizing their influence. Jackie and Cheri show how to make sure there’s a positive effect. This book succinctly teaches us to have effective interactions with ourselves and others!”
—Dan Casetta, Western Region Manager, Cutco Corporation
“Now is the time for connections through conversations. Jackie and Cheri provide a pathway to lead us past polarity. These two Appreciative Inquiry experts have written a book to help individuals, organizations, and families navigate the choppy waters of differences.”
—Marge Schiller, founder of Positive Change Core
“This is my favorite book on Appreciative Inquiry! It captures the core concepts in a tight package, explains everything well, and provides techniques you can put to work immediately! To use AI in your work or at home, pick up this gem.”
—Seth Kahan, founder of the Visionary Leadership Academy
“Jackie and Cheri provide practical ways to use Appreciative Inquiry every day. They show how to solve tough problems, create meaningful dialogue, and build productive relationships using simple practices. My favorite: asking generative questions. Great book!”
—Jennifer A. Hitchcock, Executive Director, US Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center
“After reading this book, you will be equipped to foster thriving and well-being in your life. This book is brimming with insights, stories, and practical tools. It is a gift to leaders, change agents, and individuals who wish to create positive change! I loved this book!”
—Jane Dutton, Robert L. Kahn Distinguished Professor Emerita, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
“An amazing book with practices to transform your life, family, and organization. Every conversation is an opportunity—a must-read book to deepen connections, strengthen relationships, and change the world for the better.”
—Betsy Crouch and Zoe Galvez, cofounders of ImprovHQ
“I engage in conversations with stakeholders from the grassroots to local and state levels. This book is a great resource on how to have conversations worth having! This is your guide to any conversation in any moment. Keep it close!”
—John F. Baran, Lead Planner, City of Detroit
“This book is a gift to the world! It should be read by future leaders, teachers, and parents. The stories moved my heart to understand that conversations make all the difference. I plan to purchase copies for those whom I love.”
—Rose Heinrichs, former elementary and special education teacher
“This book shifted the way I engage and react in my conversations. It has helped me to express myself genuinely, listen to and understand others, and become a more valuable version of myself—at work and home.”
—Stephanie Schlueter, Manager, Natural View Market
“This book is for everyone! The authors make it clear, we are our conversations, and it’s through our conversations we come alive and make meaning together. It’s an easy, delightful read that is uplifting and actionable. The world is ready and waiting!”
—Robyn Stratton-Berkessel, founder of PositivityStrategist.com
“I have hundreds of conversations daily. This book reinforces that every conversation builds connection and trust. The authors underscore how the words we use affect others. I now make sure that I have conversations worth having!”
—Gavin Johnson, Principal, Brighton High School
“This is a great book because it tells you clearly how to change conversations to ones worth having. I invite you to read this excellent book and put the concepts into practice.”
—Sue Annis Hammond, founder of Thin Book Publishing
“Jackie and Cheri share how to transition from downward-spiraling conversations to upward-possibility conversations. For those in the Appreciative Inquiry or positive psychology communities, you will find this book quite useful to your research and practice!”
—Marrisa Fernando, Director, MMOD Program, Graduate School of Business, Assumption University of Thailand
“I have lots of conversations with my kids. Most are good—some are not. This book gave me a simple way to communicate more effectively with my children and easily approach conflict.”
—Monica Chester, homeschool mom and nurse
“Jackie and Cheri teach us to be intentional with our conversations using simple practices to move any conversation away from what we don’t want and toward creative possibilities.”
—Jeff Bouwman, Director of Finance and Operations, Western University, and author of Your Income, Your Life
“Shared through stories and grounded in science, Jackie and Cheri’s book makes a wonderful contribution to the application of Appreciative Inquiry. This book moved me from interest, to hope, to heartfelt awe and empathy!”
—Sarah Lawrence, founder of Thriving Organisations
“Our interactions allow organizations to flourish or fade into obscurity. The authors give us a way to host high quality conversations that create an environment that works for all!”
—Dr. Paul A. Miklovich, Administrator, Cleveland Clinic