Executives invest up to 90% of their working time in communication. However, this rich everyday experience does not automatically mean that they behave competently and appropriately in important conversations. In his years of coaching practice, Peter Weber has identified the greatest insecurity before conversations in which someone must be confronted with an unpleasant message and may react strongly. The book first introduces various psychological foundations that make the dynamics of difficult conversations understandable and manageable. Transactional analysis plays a prominent role in this context. It describes an inner state from which executives can communicate maturely, competently, and responsibly. Two detailed guides then apply the psychological insights and tools to achieve the goals of the conversation.