I would highly recommend Allie Casey’s book, “Misunderstood! the Fast Guide to Communicating at Work” for anyone in any line of professional or personal business, as the topics are transferable for any person who has had to work with a group or team.

I particularly liked the recommendations / examples / dialogue provided around listening skills. The section about the difference between reactive / responsive listeners simply demonstrates what is considered “good” listening skills and where I could improve my own communication and listening skills when interacting with a group or one-on-one.

This book is an easy read, well laid out, and easy for a person to flip to a specific section to refresh on a skill that person would like to continually improve upon.

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book to communicate better, April 23, 2011

*************************************************************

By Mary Greenwood (Orlando, Florida) Author of How to Interview Like A Pro: Forty-Three Rules for Getting Your Next Job.

“Misunderstood” is a great book for trainers, Human Resources professionals, consultants, bosses and employees.

Allie Casey’s gem of a book gives some tips, insights, and exercises on all facets of communication such as listening, asking the right question,nonverbal communications, difficult conversations, embarrassing conversations and correcting communication confusion. Each section sets out the problem and gives some down to earth solutions, often with some exercises to try.

As an author of books on negotiations and interviewing, I liked her advice on those topics.

She provides 5 critical questions to ask in a job interview:1)Ask for a description of a typical day on the job; 2)Ask about any financial concerns you have about the organization; 3)Ask what behaviors your supervisor considers unacceptable; 4)Always ask permission to take notes while the interviewer is talking; 5)Ask what qualities the most successful employee has and what qualities the least successful employee is lacking.

What stands out about Casey’s book is that all her tips come from her own experience. Each chapter could be a separate training exercise for employees.

I give “Misunderstood” my highest ranking.

************************************************************

If you are looking for a book that has clear, straight forward answers and helps you to say what you want, this is it.
I think every student should read this book as well as all business people.

Bravo Allie Casey!
Fast Read. Well worth it.

************************************************************

Mary Olsen:

“Misunderstood!: The Fast Guide to Communicating at Work–What to Say, How to Say It and When to Shut Up” – What, not everyone thinks like me? Darn! Who knew that being understood had so much to do with taking the time to listen and understand what makes other people tick in order to achieve being understood. The book has been extremely helpful to me and I have passed it on to many others.