Dec 13, 2016 Library’s Associate Dean for Research and User Services Co-Authors Book

Congratulations to Catherine Soehner, Associate Dean for Research and User Services at the Marriott Library, for co-authoring the book Effective Difficult Conversations: A Step-by-Step Guide, published by the American Library Association (ALA).

Co-authored with Ann Darling, Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Studies at the University of Utah, this book provides illustrated real-world examples of both successful and unsuccessful difficult conversations in the workplace.

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.

Catherine has held leadership positions in libraries since 1998. Ann Darling has been in leadership positions in higher education since 1996. Together, Catherine and Ann 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 more information about this book, go to the ALA store.