In March of 2009, when the world economy was clearly in the midst of a serious recession, Jean Palmer Heck, an international communications advisor, began researching how bad news was being delivered in the workplace. She took her skills as an expert interviewer and asked human resource professionals, psychotherapists, small business owners, corporate managers, and people in all walks of life about their experiences with giving and receiving tough talks. After researching the subject with hundreds of people who shared accounts of their difficult conversations, many still reeling with emotion, Jean has narrowed their advice and insights down to a 5-step process. Although originally intended to be applied in the workplace, Jean's 5-step CHECK system is adaptable to every day tough talks. What you'll read... - 22 case studies- Foreword by Ron Culp- 6 chapters:Chapter One: Squeezed & TornChapter Two: Dribble & ShootChapter Three: Checks & BalancesChapter Four: Engage & InspireChapter Five: Protect & DefendChapter Six: Live & LearnWhat others are sayingShep HykenAuthor of The Cult of the Customer, a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best seller Simply put, if you are in any kind of management you need this book. While delivering tough news is never easy, you have to do it-even when you don't want to. Jean Palmer Heck's book, Tough Talks in Tough Times, provides you a specific process that shows you how to how to do so with style, respect, integrity, and confidence. Janet GiesselmanPresident and General Manager, Dow Oil and Gas Jean Palmer Heck's methodology for effectively managing tough talks is unparalleled. These situations are always charged. You need a process for dealing with them and her CHECK system is the answer. Even after all my experience with tough talks, I learned from this book. Executives at my level will benefit from reading this. William C. HeymanPresident and CEO, Heyman Associates, Inc. In the spirit of Malcolm Gladwell 's Blink, Jean Palmer Heck "thin slices" straight talk to employees during difficult times better than anyone I know. The sensitivities that Tough Talks in Tough Times uncovers demonstrate real insight into human behavior in particularly sensitive times. There is much to be learned from Tough Talks in Tough Times, but none more insightful than knowing when to be quiet. Jean has a great understanding into the human psyche during times when it is difficult to communicate. Gary McCormick, APRPartnership Development, HGTV Whether you find yourself in a Fortune 500 company, your homeowners' association, or raising children, you face tough talks. The life lessons revealed here have earned this book a permanent place on my shelf. Do yourself a favor-buy two, so you have one to loan!Joe CallowayAuthor of Becoming a Category of One Jean Palmer Heck delivers a straight forward, honest reality check. Jean's 5-step CHECK system for delivering tough talks is invaluable, not just to managers, but to anyone who ever faces challenging conversations (and that's all of us). This book provides real world strategies to effectively handle the toughest real world situations.