Hi John,

Welcome to the January 13th edition of Crucial Skills. Last week we announced a redesigned newsletter and blog. If you missed that message and would like to know more, you may want to dig in your email. Or simply visit the blog.

Note the content hasn't changed. You'll still find our feature Q&A, our video series, and most important, tips on how to apply the skills and principles taught in our award-winning courses.

Our team put a lot of thought and work into this revision and we hope it improves your experience. If you'd like to offer feedback or high-fives, send us an email.

But enough bookkeeping. This week Joseph Grenny explains how to confront a coworker about how he or she smells, Justin Hale shares a tip for better emailing, and Emily Gregory gets down to brass tacks in How Do I Say That? Enjoy.

Q&A: Crucial Conversations

When Your Coworker Wears Too Much Perfume

We've addressed your questions about how to discuss hygiene in the past. Today we address a related challenge. A reader asks: "How should I respectfully approach a co-worker about her pungent perfume?" Joseph has an idea.

One Productive Minute

How to Write Better Emails

Communicate better and you'll get better results. Where have you heard that before? Yet this tip is less about dialogue than it is productivity. Watch the one-minute video from Justin for better email communications.

How Do I Say That?

How Do I Start a Crucial Conversation?

Nervous to hold a crucial conversation? That's ok. Emily explains how you can use that to your advantage.

Ask a Question

If you face a risky disagreement, an organizational challenge, a sticky interpersonal problem or a persistent personal habit you're struggling to overcome, maybe our team of thought leaders, writers, and trainers can help. Send us your questions, we’ll answer them on the blog.

When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its point in honey.

Arab proverb

In the News

Startup Founder Conflict: Can You Get Ahead of It?

In this article at Forbes, the writer expounds on an essential Crucial Conversations skill to help entrepreneurs manage what may be inevitable: disagreement.

Thanks for spending part of your day with VitalSmarts. Hope your New Year's resolutions are taking shape. If you'd like some help, check out the ebook on habits on the homepage. Until next week, stay cool, be kind.

Ryan Trimble
Editor

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