From Conflict to Convergence

Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems

Robert Fersh, Mariah Levison, Amanda Ripley

$46.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

John Wiley & Sons Inc
23 July 2024

Management decision making

Strategies to achieve meaningful and lasting conflict resolution

In From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems, two expert collaborative problem solvers deliver an incisive, hands-on guide to de-escalating conflict and constructively engaging with those you disagree with to find better solutions to problems. In this book full of real-life stories and examples, you'll find a collection of tried and tested strategies you can employ immediately as you negotiate and navigate your most seemingly intractable conflicts. You'll learn how finding what the authors call “higher ground” can advance your interests even when facing people and groups you think you have little in common with and how this can set the stage for longer term cooperation.

The authors explain how to improve your ability to understand how other people think, feel, and perceive the world around you, and how to use that knowledge to develop mutually beneficial solutions that help advance your interests and the interests of the people you're dealing with.

You'll also find:

Strategies for distinguishing the message from the messenger, so you can appreciate the arguments and intentions of imperfectly-presented positions Techniques for responding to emotional and powerful conflicts and disagreements without getting lost in argument Ways to find breakthrough solutions to long-term conflicts that have failed to respond to previous attempts at resolution

Perfect for business and organizational leaders, board members, community and religious leaders, public servants, mediators, and anyone else looking to find common ground with people with differing views and perspectives, From Conflict to Convergence also speaks to concerned citizens looking for concrete pathways to lessen troubling divides in their workplaces, their communities, and society at large. From Conflict to Convergence is a must-read resource for an increasingly combative and conflicted world.

By: Robert Fersh, Mariah Levison
Foreword by: Amanda Ripley
Imprint: John Wiley & Sons Inc
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 231mm, Width: 158mm, Spine: 31mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781394198566
ISBN 10: 1394198566
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 23 July 2024
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Foreword xi Introduction 1 PART ONE The Path to Higher Ground CHAPTER 1 Why Solve Problems Together? 11 CHAPTER 2 How to Reach Convergence 27 PART TWO Mindsets CHAPTER 3 Conflict Can Be Constructive 45 CHAPTER 4 Everyone Gets the Benefit of the Doubt 55 CHAPTER 5 Curiosity Is the Cure 67 CHAPTER 6 Relationships at the Core 77 CHAPTER 7 Seek Higher Ground 87 PART THREE Building Blocks CHAPTER 8 Map the Terrain 101 CHAPTER 9 Nurture Trust 113 CHAPTER 10 Really Hear Everyone 125 CHAPTER 11 Generate Options for Mutual Gain 139 CHAPTER 12 Take Your Time 151 PART FOUR Process CHAPTER 13 Discovery and Design 159 CHAPTER 14 Dialogue and Destinations 173 CHAPTER 15 Achieving Consensus and Impact 185 Conclusion: We All Can Be Collaborative Leaders 199 Pocket Guide for Collaborative Problem-Solving 209 Glossary of Key Terms 213 Notes 217 Acknowledgments 233 About the Authors 237 Index 239

ROBERT FERSH is the Founder and Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, which he started in 2009 to promote consensus solutions to issues of domestic importance. Convergence has successfully addressed a wide array of national and state level concerns including health care, K-12 education, incarceration, economic mobility, nutrition and wellness, and more. Previously, Rob served on the staffs of three Congressional committees, directed a national anti-hunger organization, and served as the U.S. country director for Search for Common Ground, an international conflict transformation organization. MARIAH LEVISON serves as the President and CEO at Convergence. Mariah uses a deep understanding of human relations to build trust and relationships across differences which lead to consensus-based solutions to complex and contentious issues. Prior to joining Convergence, Mariah led the Minnesota State Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution and has worked for several nonprofit dispute resolution centers. Additionally, Mariah has been teaching collaborative problem-solving for twenty years in settings ranging from community trainings to law schools to trainings for foreign governments.