Purposeful dialog is a fundamental management responsibility. The author defines the purpose of dialog as discussing problems and their solutions, and he offers ideas about the structure of intelligent dialog: defining the problem, gathering and interpreting facts, considering alternatives, and reaching decisions. Often reaching decisions depends not so much on our ability to change others' opinions as it does on our willingness to change our own. Effective dialog requires the ability to disagree without being disagreeable.

A prerequisite to effective writing is logical thinking. Often the act of writing forces the organization of one's thoughts. Effective writing involves consciousness of the purpose of a message, awareness of the reader's needs and interests, evaluation of available information (quantity and quality), and attention to the order of presentation. First drafts should never be accepted; review and revision should be standard procedure.