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.
Table of Contents
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
