Social Current Book Report: Must-Read Titles on Interpersonal Communication 

The social sector is built on values of empathy, trust, and shared advocacy. Additionally, the ability to navigate complex human dynamics and sustain interpersonal relationships can take service delivery and workplace dynamics from transactional to transformative.  

However, face-to-face conversations are increasingly replaced with asynchronous communication, like email, and we are juggling ever-increasing workloads. This can leave us feeling like our interpersonal “connective tissue” is fraying. While technology can facilitate communication, it can also erode our active listening skills, which are essential for building relationships. Because reclaiming these interpersonal skills is necessary for achieving our goals and creating an impact, it is the focus of this month’s recommended reads. 

To help develop your interpersonal communication skills, Social Current’s Knowledge and Insights Center (KIC) recommends these books. Through KIC access, organizations can easily gain insights from top resources: 

• Business Books Summaries: Featuring book briefs that convey key concepts in 10 pages or less 
• Learning Community Courses: Interactive, self-paced courses to develop essential skills 

Staff at Social Current Impact Partners and organizations that have achieved private, Canadian, and public COA Accreditation should log in to access these resources. 

KIC access can be purchased individually or as a benefit of an Impact Partnership or COA Accreditation. 

Business Book Summaries  

Conversations Worth Having – Jackie Stavros & Cheri Torres  

Conversations Worth Having introduces professionals to the transformative power of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) – a strengths-based approach to communication that shifts the focus from fixing problems to fueling possibilities. Through engaging real-world stories and evidence-based techniques, authors Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres reveal how the two simple practices of positive framing and generative questions can fundamentally change the trajectory of any interaction. The strategic communication tools in this book will help you unlock creative thinking in your team and ensure that every meeting and one-on-one becomes a “conversation worth having.” 

Access the business book summary. 

In the Moment – Niel Mullarkey 

In a world of rigid scripts and endless slide decks, the most effective professionals are those who can think on their feet. In the Moment draws on the principles of improvisational theater to help you navigate the unpredictability of the modern workplace communications with poise and agility. In the Moment helps you strengthen your professional relationships through active listening, adopting a “Yes, and…” mindset, and replacing defensive communication with a collaborative approach. Stop over-preparing and start engaging! Turn every meeting and conversation into an opportunity to lead with confidence and creativity. 

Access the business book summary. 

Communicate with Courage – Michelle D. Gladieux  

In Communicate with Courage, executive coach Michelle Gladieux identifies the four hidden challenges that quietly sabotage our professional potential: 1) Avoiding risk, 2) Needing to be right, 3) Shielding ourselves from feedback, and 4) Settling for “good enough.” By confronting these psychological barriers, you can transition from safe, scripted interactions to brave, intentional dialogue. Gladieux’s strategies will help you strengthen your interpersonal bonds through radical self-awareness and engaging in healthy conflict to build interpersonal connections that last.  

Access the business book summary. 

Learning Community Courses 

If you prefer a more interactive format, take one of Social Current’s on-demand courses. Through the self-paced, multimedia learning platform, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the key concepts and practices of effective interpersonal communication.