Books by Beth Wonson
Learn Navigating Challenging Dialogue
Early in Beth Wonson’s career, she got fed up with all the time she wasted clearing up her miscommunications and the negative impact it had on being a successful leader.
Through research and practice, Beth created Navigating Challenging Dialogue® (NCD), a toolkit for building trust and healthy communication by developing self-awareness, emotional self-regulation, empathy, and curiosity.
Now Beth uses NCD as she works alongside leaders and teams to master communication and leadership skills that drive accountability, improve retention, and strengthen culture—especially when stakes are high and emotions run deep.
Beth’s books teach the tools of Navigating Challenging Dialogue®.
Anyone can use these materials and leverage her frameworks to:
build effective skill in communication and navigating healthy conflict.
deliver effective feedback
level up their leadership abilities
add tactical and strategic coaching skills to their management toolkit
Beth Wonson, Author, Communication Expert, Leadership Coach
Our ability to dialogue is essential to how we work, solve problems, and connect. Yet we are increasingly facing communication that feels more like a debate.
With emotionally charged conversations, we dig into our position trying to be heard and understood. When we're weary of conflict, we start avoiding conversations altogether. Either way, healthy communication breaks down. Everyone is left unsatisfied, often with damaged relationships.
There is another option — Turn the Conversation Around!
Purchase From Your Favorite Bookseller
Beth Wonson's Q&A on her book, "Turn This Conversation Around: The 4-Stage Process for Communication with Connection".
“‘Turn This Conversation Around’ by Beth Wonson is a transformative read for any leader navigating tough conversations, especially in a school setting. As an assistant principal, I frequently engage in challenging discussions with students, staff, and parents. Wonson’s approach to conflict resolution through clear, compassionate communication has provided me with practical tools to shift these conversations from confrontational to constructive. The strategies outlined help foster understanding and trust, rather than defensiveness or frustration. This text succeeds at equipping readers to create dialogues that lead to real solutions, making this book a must-read for any educator in leadership.”
Are you ready to stop dreading giving feedback? Or having what you thought would be a simple feedback session go horribly wrong? Do you wish you knew how to approach giving feedback to emotional or resistant employees?
Are you ready to start using feedback as an effective tool that positively supports your teams, your goals and yourself?
This is a book that enables you to take action immediately!
Using the simple 4-step process laid out in this book, in no time at all you will become skillful and confident in both giving and receiving feedback in ways that foster empowerment, growth, and development in yourself and others.
Transform the Board/Executive Director Relationship: From Burden to Strategic Partner
A Relationship and Communication Guide for Nonprofit Executive Directors and Board Leadership
I created this booklet for Executive Directors, Nonprofit Leaders and Board Chairs and Directors.
It doesn't matter if you are a current or aspiring Executive Director or a Board Chair, this booklet is filled with strategies and tips to make that work easier on you and those who you serve.
I'm here to help you lead in a courageous and empowering way so your Board can partner effectively in innovation, problem solving, and accountability, all while in service of this mission of the organization.
This booklet is for all the Executive Directors who are working tirelessly to keep your organization on track and sustainable despite the distraction of preparing for meaningful and engaging Board meetings.
This is also for the Board Members who want to do the best job possible for the nonprofit you serve but find Board meetings are more a social gathering than a dedicated time to dive in and support the organization and your ED.
I believe that together we can work smarter, no matter what the world throws at us, to make a difference.
— Beth Wonson
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A Message from Beth Wonson 1
I Created This Booklet for Nonprofit Leaders and Board Chairs 2
Introduction: You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone 3
The old playbooks aren't working anymore. 3
I get it. That’s why I am sharing my tools and expertise. 3
Reflection Questions 4
Chapter 1: Understanding the Three Growth Phases 5
Phase 1: Start-Up/Launch 5
Phase 2: Growth/Oversight 5
Phase 3: Maturity/Institutional 6
One Nonprofit's Growth Story: Safe Harbor Women's Center 7
Start-Up/Launch Phase: "Kitchen Table to Crisis Line" 7
Growth/Oversight Phase: "Professionalizing with Purpose" 8
Lessons from Safe Harbor's Journey 8
Reflection Questions 10
Chapter 2: Where is Your Organization At? 11
Diagnosing Your Board 11
Be Aware of the Energy You Bring to The Room 12
Self-Assessment: Determine Where Your Board Engagement is Today 13
A Board Success Story 14
Reflection Questions 15
Chapter 3: Facilitating the Transition 16
Finding Your Ally: The Board Chair/Executive Director Partnership 16
Reflection Questions 18
Chapter 4: Building the Board Chair/Executive Director Relationship 19
Building Your Relationship with the Board Chair 20
Starting The Three-Step Transition Process 20
Timeline for Board Transformation 21
Reflection Questions 22
Chapter 5: Using Curiosity for Board Development 23
The Power of Board Coaching 23
Curious Questions and Board Coaching 23
Curious questions with nonprofit Boards: 24
Foundational Norms of Authentic Curiosity with Board Members 25
When to Insert a Great Question During Board Interactions 26
Sample Curious Questions for Nonprofit Board Coaching 27
The Power of Curiosity in Nonprofit Board Governance 29
Building Board Capacity Through Curious Coaching 31
Term Limits Are Your Friend 31
Shifting Focus from Fundraising to Fund Development 32
A Reality Check On Fundraising 35
Reflection Questions 35
Chapter 6: Your Strategic Plan as a Board Engagement Tool 36
Your Strategic Plan is Your Ultimate Tool for: 36
Steps to Take Right Now 36
Reflection Questions 37
Chapter 7: Tools for Structuring and Sustaining Boards that Raise Money 38
Key Questions to Bring Focus to Fund Development and Sustainability 38
Shifting to Fund Development 39
Main Components of a Fund Development Plan 39
Factors that Lead to Fund Development Success 45
Key Differences Between Fund Development and Fundraising 46
Impact on Relationships and Sustainability 46
Integrating Both Fundraising and Fund Development 47
How Focus on Fund Development Shifts Your Boards Focus, Energy and Commitment: 48
Bottom Line 48
Reflection Questions 48
Chapter 8: Your 90-Day Getting Started Checklist 49
Week 0: Prepare Yourself 49
Month 1: Assessment and Preparation 50
Month 2: Building Relationships and Clarity 50
Month 3: Implementation and Momentum 51
This process will ultimately lighten your load. 51
My approach is hands-on, and uniquely effective. 52
Anticipated Outcomes 52
Reflection Questions 53
Wrap Up 53
The real question is how much longer can you carry this alone? 53
Your mission deserves a Board that's truly engaged in moving it forward. 53
Print Length: 53 pages
Published: Sep. 17, 2025
Author: Beth Wonson
Price includes tax. A download link will be emailed to you upon purchase.
Let’s Talk Today
You may be facing a challenge or weighing an action and aren’t sure where to start, or what a solution even looks like. Schedule a call with Beth today! It’s 100% confidential so you can freely discuss the challenges you’re facing and unlock a path forward.