Holding the Calm Book Review

I frequently see Facebook posts in working mom groups requesting the best books on leadership, and while I do think that Brene Brown is awesome, you might want to check out Hesha Abrams' book Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension

Using her experience as an attorney, mediator, and negotiator, Abrams lays out a simple method to help leaders find solutions when solutions seem impossible.


But don't think that you need to be a CEO or lawyer to use the "hold the calm" method. As Abrams states in her book, this is for anyone who needs to defuse tension, resolve disputes, and rechannel arguments. "Hold the calm" in the workplace or at home, with employees, volunteers, neighbors, and adult children. 

The book is divided into four sections with very short chapters in each section. I do wish that the book was organized a little better with chapters that more clearly related to the "hold the calm" tool kit. But if you want a cheat sheet for the tools you need to "hold the calm", just flip to the back of the book for a complete list of all 20 things you'll need to remember to do. There's also a discussion guide in the back of the book that would be perfect for self-reflection or group discussion. 

Holding the Calm is published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers and is available to purchase now. I received a free review copy.

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