True Partnership: Revolutionary Thinking about Relating to Others

By Carl Zaiss and ZAISS CARL

"We are all capable of producing more than we typically do. The very nature of our relationships undermines individual and organizational effectiveness." With this uncompromising statement, author... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157675166X
• ISBN13: 9781576751664
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Get Out Of That "Drift!"

Carl Zaiss makes the bold statement in his new book that "there are things we can do to build a stronger relationship no matter what the other person does." In this fantastic book, the author contrasts "The Drift," his term for traditional ways of thinking and relating to other people, with "True Partnership," in which efforts are focused on enhancing the relationship itself. If things aren't going your way at work or at home because of "those other people in your life, who won't do what they should do" then take heart - this is a very encouraging book that shows you how to stop trying to change other people (and yourself) and instead focus on changing the relationships themselves. Techniques include connecting with others by realizing the interdependence of us all on each other; communicating with intent to constantly improve the quality of communications; expanding from an "either/or" mentality to a "both/and" orientation; and observing not from one's initial "gut feeling" point of view but trying out different points of view to see if a new one helps resolve an old conflict. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for those looking for a new communications, team building, or conflict management tool.

Change, Partenrships and Transformation

Those of us in the change and transition business are vocal, loud and some would say, obnoxious advocates for recognizing the human side and impact of change. Too often our words fall on deaf ears...with "True Partnerships" we finally have a text that deals with NEW principles for relating to others during, before and after change. We finally have a text that deals with the potential destructiveness of autonomy, power, scarcity mentality and victimhood. Instead this book awakens a call to action for relationships that produce extraordinary results by shifting our philosophy to one of connection, communication, expansion and creator/observer. It is powerful, beyond words and is guaranteed to cause you to examine your own approach of "drift" versus "true partnership." It can shake you up and transform your relationships at work, at home and everywhere inbetween. Read it and begin relating differently today.

Practical and approachable

Carl's book provides practical approaches to typical relationship issues. I find his work applicable to both professional and personal relationships and his suggestions foundational and doable. He covers a broad range of ways we "drift" in relationships and how to bring ourselves into "true" partnerships. These kinds of strategies were familiar to me as someone who has read a lot on improving and sustaining relationships, but this book brings it all together. It is a clearly written, engaging invitation to take responsibility for yourself to create true partnerships.

An Idea New to Me

I thought I had heard all the personal development ideas and buzz words. My wife and I had spent a lot of time (and money) in personal development and appreciation of each other's identities. What's different about Zaiss's approach is the emphasis on the relationship, not the individuals. So Karen and I can forget about how we interact as individuals. We can also forget about aspects of each other that we would like to have different, because they don't necessariy matter. We can both be individually unsuitable for each other and still develop a great relationship. Wow. Now here's something to work on.

Pushing the Envelope

I have read many books on relationships. Many offer insights but little potential for lasting improvements. This book goes beyond the traditional relationship approaches to focus on the driving factor in our relationships: how we think about another person and how that thinking limits what is possible for us. Rather than tinkering with behaviors and results, Carl leaps to attitude and options, which provides anyone who wants more enjoyable relationships with an innovative tool to make their lives at home and at work more enjoyable and satisfying for themselves and everyone else. At first I thought, the ideas were very simple until I realized how revolutionary they are. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to take their relationships to a different level. It certainly gave me much to think about. I am grateful to Carl for his work. I consider "True Partnership" a must read!