There have been many books written about improving communication between people. This particular book is based on the Interactifs Discipline which has been devised by Philippe de Lapoyade.

There are three parts to the book: Introduction; Straight to the point; and During a meeting. The introduction gives several potentially tricky scenarios, which are revisited throughout the rest of the book with options as to how to Talk Lean in each case. The book does not tell you what to say, but rather how to say it and things to avoid. It gives suggestions on how to cut directly to the point without being abrupt or rude.

Each chapter starts with an objective and ends with a summary of the main points raised, which is how a meeting using the Talk Lean model should ideally progress. Setting objectives is discussed in detail, showing that often what we believe to be an objective is not necessarily what we are aiming for as the outcome of a meeting.

Another chapter covers listening to people, but rather than the usual listening advice, this focuses on effective listening, which can be quite different. After listening, correct processing of all the information and checking what the person has truly said is also considered.

The idea of Him/Her, Me and Us is also introduced. Each of these options are covered in detail within the different scenarios, giving examples of how these approaches would end. Rather than ending a conversation as there appears to be no way forward, taking the Us approach might end in a more beneficial way.

The book summarises with a Schematics diagram of the Interactifs Discipline in practice, which is useful quick reference guide.

I enjoyed reading the book and would definitely like to have the ideas introduced into many meetings that I attend! It is a good practical guide to anyone wanting to increase productivity and minimise time wasting in meetings.

Sarah Talbot-Greaves