Get It: Five Steps to the Sex, Salary, and Success You Want by AmyK Hutchens: Summary with Audio

Book Info

• Book name: GET IT: Five Steps to the Sex, Salary and Success You Want
• Author: AmyK Hutchens
• Genre: Self-Help & Personal Development, Business & Economics
• Published Year: 2019
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Audio Summary

Synopsis

In “Get It,” AmyK Hutchens offers a powerful guide to mastering conversations and achieving your desires in life. Drawing from her extensive experience as a speaker and consultant, Hutchens provides readers with practical strategies for navigating tough conversations, improving communication skills, and ultimately getting what they want in their personal and professional lives. Through engaging storytelling and actionable advice, this book equips readers with the tools they need to unlock their potential and achieve success in various aspects of life.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding your true desires is crucial for having more productive conversations
• Conversations are generally about either connection or power; choose your approach wisely
• Avoid triggering defensive reactions by using ego-friendly language when giving feedback
• The “deflate technique” can help diffuse tense situations and redirect energy towards problem-solving
• Ending conversations with requests or questions can motivate action and ensure follow-through

My Summary

Unlocking the Power of Conversations: A Journey to Success

As a book blogger and former author, I’ve read my fair share of self-help books. But “Get It” by AmyK Hutchens truly stands out in its approach to personal and professional development. Hutchens argues that the key to getting what we want in life lies in mastering the art of conversation. It’s a simple yet profound idea that resonated with me deeply as I reflected on my own experiences in publishing and blogging.

The Foundation: Know Thyself

Hutchens begins by emphasizing the importance of self-reflection. Before we can effectively communicate our desires to others, we need to be clear about what we truly want. This reminded me of my early days as a writer when I thought I wanted fame and fortune. It wasn’t until I dug deeper that I realized what I really craved was the ability to connect with readers and share meaningful stories.

The book encourages us to have honest conversations with ourselves, which can be uncomfortable but ultimately liberating. By understanding our deeper needs, we can approach conversations with authenticity and purpose.

The Power of Connection vs. Assertion

One of the most insightful aspects of “Get It” is Hutchens’ framework for understanding conversations as either connection-seeking or power-asserting. This distinction has been a game-changer in how I approach my interactions, both in my personal life and in my professional networking as a book blogger.

In my marriage, for instance, I’ve found that focusing on connection rather than assertion has led to more fulfilling and productive discussions. On the other hand, when negotiating with publishers or dealing with difficult commenters on my blog, knowing when to assert myself has been crucial.

Navigating Workplace Dynamics

Hutchens’ advice on handling power plays in the workplace is particularly valuable. As someone who has transitioned from a solitary writing career to a more collaborative blogging environment, I’ve had to learn how to navigate office politics and assert my expertise without alienating colleagues.

The author’s suggestion to respond to criticism with gratitude and a focus on moving forward has been a lifesaver in tense situations. For example, when a fellow blogger criticized my review style, instead of getting defensive, I thanked them for their feedback and asked how we could collaborate to improve our content. This approach not only diffused the tension but led to a productive partnership.

The Art of Giving Feedback

As a book reviewer, giving feedback is a significant part of my job. Hutchens’ insights on avoiding “ego hooks” when providing criticism have been invaluable. I’ve learned to focus on specific situations rather than making sweeping generalizations, which has resulted in more constructive discussions with authors and publishers.

For instance, instead of telling an author their character development was weak, I might say, “I found myself wanting to know more about the protagonist’s motivations in chapter three.” This approach keeps the conversation focused on the work rather than triggering defensive reactions.

Defusing Tense Situations

The “deflate technique” Hutchens introduces is a powerful tool for managing conflicts. I’ve found it particularly useful in my personal life. Recently, when my partner complained about my long hours working on the blog, instead of defending myself, I said, “I absolutely want us to have more quality time together. Can we work on finding a schedule that works for both of us?” This simple shift in approach transformed what could have been an argument into a collaborative problem-solving session.

From Conversation to Action

Perhaps the most practical advice in “Get It” is about ensuring conversations lead to action. Hutchens’ suggestion to end discussions with requests or questions that motivate action has significantly improved the productivity of my interviews with authors and my interactions with my blog team.

For example, after a team meeting about improving our social media presence, I now make sure to end with questions like, “What happens when we consistently post engaging content on Instagram?” This approach helps my team visualize the benefits and take ownership of the task.

Applying “Get It” in the Digital Age

While Hutchens’ book focuses primarily on face-to-face interactions, I’ve found her principles equally applicable in our increasingly digital world. As a blogger, much of my communication happens online, whether it’s through email, social media, or video calls. The skills of clear communication, empathy, and strategic assertion are just as crucial in these contexts.

For instance, I’ve applied Hutchens’ advice on avoiding ego hooks when responding to negative comments on my blog. Instead of getting defensive, I try to acknowledge the commenter’s perspective and redirect the conversation to constructive feedback. This approach has often turned potential conflicts into opportunities for engaging discussions about literature.

The Bigger Picture: Communication as a Path to Success

What I appreciate most about “Get It” is how Hutchens links effective communication to overall success in life. As someone who has built a career around words, I can attest to the power of mastering conversation. Whether it’s negotiating a book deal, building relationships with readers, or collaborating with other bloggers, the ability to communicate effectively has been key to my success.

Hutchens’ book serves as a reminder that every interaction is an opportunity to move closer to our goals. By approaching conversations with intention, empathy, and strategy, we can create meaningful connections, resolve conflicts, and ultimately achieve the success we desire.

Room for Improvement

While “Get It” offers valuable insights, it’s worth noting that some readers might find the content similar to other self-help books on communication. Additionally, the title’s emphasis on “sex, salary, and success” might be misleading for those expecting more specific advice on these topics. The book is more about general communication strategies that can be applied to various life areas.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on “Get It,” I’m struck by how much it has influenced my approach to both my personal and professional life. Hutchens’ practical strategies and engaging writing style make the book an enjoyable and insightful read. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, improve your relationships, or simply become a more effective communicator, “Get It” offers valuable tools to help you on your journey.

In our increasingly connected world, the ability to navigate conversations skillfully is more important than ever. “Get It” provides a roadmap for mastering this essential skill, empowering readers to achieve their goals and create more meaningful connections along the way.

Questions for Reflection

As we wrap up this review, I’d love to hear from you, my fellow book lovers:

• How do you think the principles in “Get It” could be applied to online communication, especially in the context of social media and digital marketing?
• Have you ever experienced a situation where changing your communication approach dramatically improved the outcome? How did it impact your personal or professional life?

Let’s continue this conversation in the comments below. Your insights and experiences are what make our Books4soul community so vibrant and enriching!