Peer Power in the Press
Jossey-Bass Acquires "Peer Power"
Seattle, WA March 15, 2012 — Jossey-Bass, an imprint of John Wiley & Sons specializing in personal and professional development, has republished the book Peer Power: Transforming Workplace Relationships by Cynthia Clay and Ray Olitt.
The book describes nine behavior patterns that that can create conflict or tension in the workplace, and suggests ways in which the reader can modify their own behavior to influence improvement in the unskilled behavior of their peers.
"We wrote Peer Power for people who have to get work done through others, but they don't necessarily have any authority over those folks," says co-author Cynthia Clay. "This means they have to influence, using communication practices, encourage collaboration and, essentially, develop peer power to get the kind of outcomes that they need in the workplace."
The book was originally published a year ago by Clay's leadership skills training company, NetSpeed Learning Solutions, based in Seattle, WA. The book is offered as a standalone title, or bundled with a course developed and offered by NetSpeed Learning Solutions for corporations and other organizations to improve interpersonal effectiveness and a culture of collaboration.
"We're delighted to add Peer Power to our catalog," says Matthew Davis , senior editor for Jossey-Bass. "Workplace inefficiency due to interpersonal conflict is a common issue, and this book presents solid, case-driven advice for improving these areas."
ABOUT CYNTHIA CLAY
Cynthia Clay is President/CEO of NetSpeed Learning Solutions. Besides Peer Power, she is also the author of Great Webinars: How to create interactive learning that is captivating, informative and fun, published by Pfeiffer.
ABOUT RAY OLITT
Ray Olitt consults with and coaches leaders in a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations.
ABOUT NETSPEED LEARNING SOLUTIONS
NetSpeed Learning Solutions designs and delivers total learning experiences that drive business results. As learning architects, they offer customizable solutions including learning content, platforms, services and dedicated staff to support leadership, supervisory, and customer service training initiatives.
Achieving effective interpersonal collaboration by understanding behavior patterns
Seattle, Washington, April 2011 — People who depend on their peers to get things done often find their projects stalled when conflict or tension arises. Now, with the publication of Peer Power: Transforming Workplace Relationships, peers can find a “pocket coach” for positively influencing others whom they don't directly manage.
Written by Cynthia Clay and Ray Olitt, the book identifies nine dysfunctional behavior patterns, while offering strategies and practices for working effectively with these challenging people. Through a series of case studies, the authors outline specific steps one can take to improve relationships in a company or organization.
Co-author Cynthia Clay says, “Ray and I wrote this book for individual contributors, people who are not necessarily in a management role, and who don't have authority over the folks they depend on. They're required to get results using influence, practicing good communication, encouraging collaboration and essentially using their peer power to get the kind of outcomes that they need to see in the workplace.”
The book builds on a foundation of four principles -- Be Real, Extend Respect, Take Responsibility, and Build Relationships -- then identifies specific practices that support each of the principles and help navigate the more difficult interpersonal situations that can come up at work.
“We took the approach that every person is worthy of respect,” Clay adds. “Your own behavior has probably influenced what's happening. In each of the nine case study chapters, we give examples of how you would approach that person with the goal of changing your behavior so you can influence a better outcome. In fact, you really have no other ability except changing your behavior in order to influence someone else.”
With fifteen chapters and three appendixes, the 300-page book provides extensive worksheets, scenario dialogues, and “cheat sheets” on the full range of workplace situations, enabling workers to maximize their power through their peers.
“There is hope,” Clay concludes. “You don't have to be at the mercy of your co-workers. You can start to influence positive changes that will help you be more effective, feel less stress, and get the kind of results that you want.”
Available online at www.netspeedlearning.com or www.amazon.com.
Contact: Tim Jones
Vice President and General Manager, NetSpeed Learning Solutions
PH: 206.517.5271 E: tjones@netspeedlearning.com