When conflicts at work occur, our traditional skills and positive instincts are deserted in favor of the easy fix, the tough move, or the clever device. But unresolved conflicts simmer on, until they explode again, and before long, managers feel as though they axe doing little else other than dealing with disputes of people in different camps; cooperation replaced by combat and motivation going down by the minute.

This book will show you how to remain positive and constructive in dealing with people problems and difficult situations, and able to turn the nightmare of conflict into an opportunity for change.

Constructive Conflict Management fully demonstrates for the first time the best new techniques, such as meditation and seven-step problem solving, and takes the reader through many practical exercises and examples of hands-on skills. These include active listening, neutral questioning, option generation, mutual problem definition, conflict resolution and assertion.

These skills and techniques are woven into a fictitious organization -- Troubled Associates -- in which we see a variety of people dealing successfully with situations such as a personality clash, a dispute with your boss, problems in work teams, angry customers, differences over staffing, and accusations of bigotry.

This book will help you rise to the challenge of managing conflict, and unlock the potential that unresolved conflict stifles in your organization.

The alternative to lawyers.

"A very good work for either self-teaching or for conducting a seminar on intraorganizational conflict management. Clearly written with original and useable exercises... as well done as any of the organizational conflictbooks I have seen". -- The Alternative Newsletter

"Destined to become the standard work for practitioners and volunteers in mediation". -- Voluntary Voice