Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

Kerry Patterson is one of the coauthors of Crucial Conversations and a key figure in the field of interpersonal communication. Patterson obtained a bachelor of science (BS) in marketing, a master’s degree in organizational behavior at Brigham Young University, and went on to complete doctoral work at Stanford University. This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for his career in researching and teaching effective communication strategies, including as chief development officer at VitalSmarts.

Patterson’s dedication to understanding the dynamics of human communication led him to coauthor several influential books alongside his colleagues, including Crucial Confrontations (2004) and Influencer (2007). His work reflects a commitment to helping individuals and organizations navigate difficult conversations and achieve better outcomes. This business expertise appears in the workplace scenarios detailed throughout Crucial Conversations. Furthermore, his contributions as a speaker and consultant have made him a sought-after authority on communication and leadership.

Joseph Grenny, another coauthor, is a renowned expert in organizational change and human behavior. His career has been dedicated to understanding how individuals and groups can foster effective communication and drive positive change within organizations.

Grenny’s educational background includes studies in organizational communication and psychology. He has a bachelor of arts (BA) in organizational communication from Brigham Young University and has completed postgraduate work in psychology.