Executive Book Review

In Capitalizing Conflict you get the combined wisdom of an experienced conflict mediator and a lawyer, neatly packaged into a user-friendly and easy to read book.

The authors begin by sharing why conflict in the workplace is simply an unavoidable reality before sharing practical ways that you can minimize the occurrences of unproductive conflict and effectively manage them when they do arise.

It is refreshing to see a book that goes beyond advice on how to problem solve each conflict that arises to offer practical guidance on how unproductive conflict can first be minimized at a ‘whole organisation’ level. The authors use systems thinking theory, without the jargon, to show how managers can establish a trusting environment through articulating and living core values, and then use these values to establish fair and aligned workplace policies.

Other systems tools for minimizing unproductive conflict deal with introducing changes in the workplace, manager reciprocity and strategic employment strategies.

While these strategies will greatly reduce the occurrence of unproductive conflict, some conflict will still occur. Therefore, according to the authors, managers must also have established ways of:

• Bringing conflict to the surface using strategies such as frequent informal contact with staff, suggestion boxes and staff surveys.
• Engaging staff in collaboratively resolving conflict that does arise.

In Capitalizing on Conflict, Blackard and Gibson have produced a book well worth reading.

Buy the pdf summary now for just $8.50 US.