Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution Paperback – January 27, 2015

The guiding principles are intuitive and useful, and therefore a lot of helpful takeaways in the book. But I would have liked to see more in-depth discussion on some of the more tactical challenges to conflict resolution. What happens, for instance, when the other person doesn't engage? What happens if your own emotions get in the way? How do conflict resolution strategies differ in various settings (e.g. workplace vs. family life)?

It's very simple and straightforward, building on the idea that conflict resolution can be practiced and learned by anybody. It overlaps very strongly with Marshall Rosenberg's Non-Violent Communication (and his philosophy is the foundation of this category). There are a few ways it differs, so I tend to take it with a grain of salt. Look at the bigger picture of why it frames the practice the way it does. For example, Marshall Rosenberg focuses on feelings, needs, and requests. This book adds a step in-between needs and requests, called interests. It can be a little confusing and the definitions are arbitrary, but the examples given help clear it up.What I like most about this book that sets it apart from Non-Violent Communication is the framing of conflict as an opportunity. It is an action-based book. You can take it to conflict with you as a how-to reference and flip through as needed (though this may feel silly). The directions are clear enough that I could take it to a conflict right now and start practicing. Actions speak louder than words because actions will actually change something.Even the most overwhelming situation or conflict has potential for resolve. Many of us are afraid that there is one conflict that just can't be resolved, but this book doesn't suggest ignoring it and letting it fester. If you discover there is no resolution, and if you both face that fact, you will both have a stronger desire to move on from it- and thus find resolution that way. This book has helped me take something seemingly impossible, and empower all of us involved, including me as the conflict mediator.

Over the years I've digested books and journals about conflict resolution. Changing the Conversation is an oeuvre that hangs on elegance in concept, design and presentation. I was not surprised to learn that the author was a force on the modern dance scene in a company (William Forsythe) that was world renowned for its innovation. Indeed, I found the book to be a fascinating presentation of cogent, linear ideas that pirouettes into memorable conclusions with the visual pizzazz to make it all pretty damn congruent. I find most concept books to be work, but a lot of this seemed downhill, which made the sledding fast, practical and memorable. I had planned to skim it but three hours later, understood and bought into the system. I highly recommend it.

This is a simple, quick read, filled with rich nuggets of information about resolving conflict. I discuss the 17 principles with individuals prior to conducting conflict mediation sessions and know that it improves the conversations and brings faster resolution. These are invaluable communication tools that everyone should learn.I agree with other reviewers - the book is not in a kindle format, and that's annoying. I bought a hardcopy version.

I thought this was well written, easy to understand, provided excellent, appropriate examples and presented the subject in a very appealing and easy to follow lay-out. It's printed on great quality paper, bound to last a lot of use and its physical size is convenient to carry. I will refer to it until the principles presented become 2nd nature. I think it would be a great book to tackle as a group/family when learning how to work through conflict.

Good ideas but the re-phrasing of thoughts to resolve conflict could be more tactfully or sensibly stated - for example by asking about comfort level.The book is difficult to read on a Kindle because of the design, size of print (could not enlarge) and grey background that is used sometime.

Wonderful and easy read! I bought this book after participating in Trainings on Interpersonal Communication Techniques and Conflict Resolution. I find this book very helpful in changing a way to approach others as well as it helps to understand other person's position during conversation, or conflict.

🤓

A wonderful book, very useful -- really enjoyed!

I love this book. It’s easy to read and really breaks conflict resolution down. It really helped changed my mind set on conflicts and has helped my personal and professional life.

Focus is on colour and graphic layout not content. Not even a full paragraph per page.

Excellent content.

Das Buch, "Changing the Conversation", geschrieben von Dana Caspersen und von Joost Elfers ausgelegt, ist eine hervorragende Unterstützung für die Entwicklung der Fähigkeit, bessere Entscheidungen zu treffen.Dana Caspersen ist in der Lage, uns klar und einfach zu zeigen, wenn es Meinungsverschiedenheiten gibt, wie wir die Möglichkeit der Diskussion eröffnen kann um Lösungen zu finden.So können wir von Konflikten lernen.