Acknowledgments

You don't write a book like this alone. Many people have helped develop these concepts and field test them in real-life situations. In every workshop I facilitate, in every conference presentation I make, and in every coaching conversation I have, the principles of painless performance conversations have been formulated, tested, and revised. So for the individuals I'm unable to name here, please know that I appreciate the influence you have had on the development of this work.

I extend my thanks to Matt Holt and Shannon Vargo at John Wiley & Sons, Inc., for believing in this project and for helping me make it way better than where we started. Many thanks also go out to fellow authors and cheerleaders Ed Scannell and Dr. Richard Deems, who showed only enthusiasm for my efforts. You two are icons in my book.

Jolaine Jackson, human resources extraordinaire and owner of On the Spot Resources, served as an essential resource to me in the development of the concepts and in the organization of the chapters. Jo, you got me jump-started when I was ready to forget about it.

Nancy Van Pelt, Tracy Bannon, and Kay Wilkinson generously read drafts of the manuscript and used their coaching and human resources expertise to fine-tune the language and the focus. You guys served as my reality check, and I'm appreciative of your candor.

My dear friend and hiking partner, Dr. Michelle May never stops believing in me and what I can achieve. Your subtle and not-so-subtle nudges kept ...

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