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"Find the roadmap to resolution at the heart of the conflictThe Conflict Paradox is a comprehensive guide to overcoming conflict to arrive at a satisfying resolution. Written by one of the founders of the professional conflict management field and co-published with the American Bar Association, this book outlines the seven major dilemmas that conflict resolution practitioners face every day. Readers will find expert guidance toward getting to the heart of conflict, along with practical tools and techniques for more successful intervention. Using stories, experiences, and reflective exercises to bring these concepts to life, the author provides actionable advice for resolving disputes.Even contradictions that initially seem insurmountable can be overcome.The key is to help disputants change their approach to the seven dilemmas; instead of just seeing each as a duality where one must choose sides, they need to accept them as paradoxes in order to reach agreement. The Conflict Paradox provides a framework with which to analyze conflict and pinpoint the true issues being faced in order to facilitate the implementation of the best possible solution. Examine the contradictions at the center of almost all conflicts Explore the seven dilemmas: Competition andCooperation; Optimism and Realism; Avoidance and Engagement; Principle and Compromise; Emotions and Logic; Impartiality and Advocacy; Autonomy and Community Understand that the sides of each paradox are interdependent, and learn how to move forward withthat knowledge Discover the tools and techniques that make conflicts less of a hurdle to overcome Conflict is everywhere, and conflict resolution skills are valuable far beyond the professional and legal realms. With insight and creativity, solutions are almost always possible. For conflict resolution professionals looking for a better conflict analysis framework, The Conflict Paradox provides a roadmap to resolution"--
List of contents
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xv
1 The Art of Conflict 1
2 Competition and Cooperation 25
3 Optimism and Realism 61
4 Avoidance and Engagement 95
5 Principle and Compromise 131
6 Emotions and Logic 167
7 Neutrality and Advocacy 201
8 Community and Autonomy 237
9 The Conflict Dialectic: Better Paradoxes, Better Conflict 267
References 295
Index 307
About the author
BERNARD MAYER, PHD, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of conflict intervention. He is Professor of Dispute Resolution at The Werner Institute at Creighton University and was a founding partner of CDR Associates, an internationally acclaimed conflict intervention and training firm. His background spans family mediation, public and private sector consultation, environmental decision making, organizational conflict, and international mediation. His previous books include
Beyond Neutrality, Staying with Conflict, and
The Dynamics of Conflict.
Summary
Find the roadmap to the heart of the conflict The Conflict Paradox is a guide to taking conflict to a more productive place.
Report
"In his new book, The Conflict Paradox: Seven Dilemmas at the Core of Disputes (2015, Jossey-Bass), Bernie Mayer explores the mystery of this complexity in the context of conflict engagement. It is an enjoyable and fascinating read for everyone involved in negotiation, mediation or any form of conflict engagement."
--Kari Boyle, Slaw
