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First published in the United States of America by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 1999

Published in Penguin Books 2000

This edition with a new preface and chapter published 2010

Copyright © 1999 by Douglas Stone, Bruce M. Patton, and Sheila Heen

Foreword copyright © 1999 by Roger Fisher

Preface and Ten Questions © 2010 by Douglas Stone, Bruce M. Patton, and Sheila Heen

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Difficult Conversations® is a registered trademark of Difficult Conversations Associates.

authors’ note

Research at Harvard University is undertaken with the expectation of publication. In such publication the authors alone are responsible for statements of fact, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions expressed. Publication in no way implies approval or endorsement by Harvard University, any of its faculties, or by the President and Fellows of Harvard College.

Ebook ISBN 9781101496763

the library of congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

Stone, Douglas.

Difficult conversations: how to discuss what matters most/

Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen.

p. cm.

ISBN 0-670-88339-5 (hc.)

ISBN 0 14 02.8852 X (previous pbk.)

ISBN 9780143118442 (this pbk.)

1. Interpersonal communication. 2. Interpersonal communication—Case studies.

I. Patton, Bruce. II. Heen, Sheila. III. Title.

BF637.C45S78 1999

158.2—dc21 98-33346

Cover design: Maggie Payette

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