‘Much more than a book for people in business settings. In this book, Tess Brook creates a clear and structured approach for gaining confidence in exiting non-productive and challenging conversations. Her four foundation points in the exit strategy plan support this outcome. As do her insights into our typical cognitive biases and her checklists to gain clarity about choosing to exit or not. Her use of colour coded cards is innovative and helpful in determining where we are in the foundation points. Finally, her ‘three-step strategy’ structure effectively scaffolds the individual to act on exiting the conversation in a way that maintains respect for all parties involved.’

‘In my coaching work with targets of toxic leader behaviours, I have found that one of the most psychologically damaging effects is the feeling targets have that they can’t escape or do anything about their situation, especially if their manager also refuses to take action. I can recommend Exit because having an exit strategy is an essential tool in dealing with toxic behaviours by colleagues, direct reports and even your boss. Having a prepared exit strategy builds confidence in your ability to respond effectively to bad behaviour. It allows you to no longer feel trapped in a bad situation or in an upsetting or frustrating cycle of dysfunctional conversations. You can free yourself from high levels of stress and anxiety once you know you can leave the conversation at any time, in a way that maintains your professionalism and reputation. If more people mastered the exit strategy, there could be a lot less toxicity and harm in the workplace.’

‘EXIT, How to professionally exit a dysfunctional workplace conversation by Tess Brook is a book that I wish I had been able to read when I was in corporate life. Challenging and important conversations are often avoided because of fear which is manifested in many forms and has many faces including avoiding conflict at all costs. Tess’s book shows us how we can confidently and competently engage in potentially difficult conversations. Her clear explanations, personal experiences, real life examples together with her easily accessible style will help anyone willing to move out of their comfort zone and grow personally and professionally. You must read this book and do the exercises that accompany it. Your self-worth and confidence will soar as a result. Your team will also be transformed and enriched.’

Meetings and difficult conversations are an unfortunate reality of professional life.

Most of the meetings that we are conscripted to attend are ineffective, time wasting predictable routines with little benefit and a major contributor to escalating workplace conflict.

The reasons for this inefficient and unproductive exercise are well covered in this short and worthwhile book which covers how conversations should be structured - as opposed to the rambling directionless set piece that fails to achieve beneficial outcomes.

The book outlines practical strategies and places the emphasis on the crucial requirements of preparation, communication, time management, exit strategies and the endless problems of dealing with difficult people. The importance of avoiding being enmeshed in the conflict and standing back with a constant eye on what is being addressed and sought is also correctly identified.

This book is an important ‘how to’ for people managers in all public and private organisations and should be required reading for those at the start, middle or end game of their career.

Know anyone who needs this book? Slip a copy into your colleague's in tray - anonymously of course.'

‘Still to this day, I find the biggest challenge for people managers to conquer is the ability to have or exit difficult conversations with their own staff, peers or stakeholders. As a leader myself, Tess has been my go-to on this subject. I know I can rely on her for a clear and professional process which takes the anxiety out of the situation. I'll be recommending this book to all new and aspiring people managers and leaders.’

‘We have all read books on what we should do in a tough workplace conversation. The value of this book is that Tess provides a practical and relatable process to follow, giving you the confidence to take on any challenging conversation and exit with your reputation intact.

In previous roles as HR / IR manager I know first-hand that if more people had learnt how to professional exit a conversation and refocus rather than pushing ahead, we would have a significant reduction in avoidable HR/IR matters. Additionally, we will have happy workplaces.’

‘Successful cultural transformation requires going beyond strategy. Everyone should have an EXIT strategy, just in case they need it.

Every organisation should develop their people’s communication skills. The EXIT strategy is not a band aid to dysfunctional conversations. It, by intention and design, significantly reduces the number of dysfunctional workplace conversations and their crippling impacts. ‘

'Communication is a constant journey along a complex path, which Tess has summed up well. The ability to communicate is an important skill, which is used every day, in many circumstances, and as indicated in the book some are very challenging. Tess has highlighted many considerations such bias (both conscious and unconscious) as well as strategies that can be engaged to manage these challenging conversations and importantly an exit strategy. The work by Tess also provides a good foundation for readers to build their own journey and to sense check along the way.'

'All the books I am reading about leadership and modern business list communication skills and specifically the ability to have the tough conversations as one of the keys to success. Tess's framework provides an important tool to pave the way to developing this skill. Personally, I have found this invaluable as my team grows and extra layers of management appear. Learning and implementing this strategy is one of my goals for this year, because I can see how essential it is to prepare an exit strategy ahead of a difficult conversation to give the confidence going in. Thank you Tess, for making this skill accessible by sharing your expertise and experience.'