Turning Conflict Into Profit: A Roadmap for Resolving Personal and Organizational Disputes - Softcover

Axelrod PhD MA BA, Larry; Johnson MA C.R. Cert., Rowland (Roy); Rowland (Roy) Johnson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 088864440X ISBN 13: 9780888644404

Publisher: University of Alberta Press, 2005

Synopsis

Conflict in the workplace becomes expensive when an organization’s efficiency is damaged by friction between employees. Conflicts can threaten the profitability and innovation of business, the sustainability of public institutions, and the health and achievement of individuals. Faced with conflict most people either lean away, avoiding the issue, or charge right in, escalating the problem. Neither strategy is ultimately successful and the social and financial costs can be devastating. Drawing on principles of psychology and sociology, Larry Axelrod and Roy Johnson have developed a new alternative for workplace conflict resolution. Turning Conflict Into Profit explains how “leaning into conflict” not only defuses workplace tensions but releases blocked energy into positive channels of development. Written in plain language, with real-life examples, Turning Conflict Into Profit offers a practical and rewarding roadmap through conflict.

About this title

From the Back Cover

[Front Cover] TURNING CONFLICT INTO PROFIT A Roadmap for Resolving Personal and Organizational Disputes LARRY AXELROD AND ROWLAND (ROY) JOHNSON [Back Cover] Conflict in the workplace can threaten the profitability of business, the effectiveness of nonprofits, and the health and achievement of individuals. Faced with conflict most people either withdraw or charge right in. Ultimately, neither strategy is successful and the personal and financial costs can be devastating. Drawing on psychological and sociological research and years of practical experience, Larry Axelrod and Roy Johnson have identified a new alternative for workplace conflict resolution. The authors explain how “leaning into conflict” not only defuses workplace tensions but releases blocked energy into positive channels. Turning Conflict Into Profit challenges the typical ways in which most people perceive, interpret, and respond to conflict. It exposes the psychological and cultural factors that keep us mired in disputes. It recognizes that our response to conflict is a choice and offers insights into the strategies that can transform despair into opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement. Written in plain language and using real-life examples the authors provide a practical and rewarding roadmap for navigating through the trap of conflict to more productive, inspired, and satisfying outcomes. Turning Conflict Into Profit is a must-read when dealing with difficult interactions among people in complex and stressful environments. “I have read few texts on conflict that truly address the whole mystifying experience of interpersonal conflict, communicate deep psychological understanding in a manner accessible to all readers, and provide behavioral solutions that could be easily implemented. The stories and cases and quotes make it wise, witty, and rather than detracting from the scientific truths presented, make them palpably real.” DEBRA GILIN, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychology, St. Mary’s University “...This book should be at the fingertips of every executive, team leader, and human resources manager.” ROBERT LAING, Executive Officer, BC Real Estate Association “...Both workers and managers will find that this book offers many thoughtful and creative alternatives for unravelling and avoiding classic workplace struggles.” MARILEE SIGAL, PsyD, Employee Assistance Counsellor and Marriage and Family Therapist “The case studies and practical tips make this book a brilliant resource...” KAREN ROLSTON, Associate Director, UBC Centre for Intercultural Communication LARRY AXELROD, holding a PhD in Social Psychology, has provided consultation, training, strategic facilitation, and dispute resolution services for public and private sector organizations across Canada. He specializes in helping individuals and organizations find success through the engagement of innovative, progressive, and ethical people practices. ROWLAND (ROY) JOHNSON, MA, a certified mediator, trainer, and psychotherapist, has guided thousands of individuals and groups toward more insightful and productive work relationships. As a national public speaker, he is known for offering inspiring and engaging presentations at conferences and events. The University of Alberta Press Cover design by David Drummond Printed in Canada $29.95 in Canada www.uap.ualberta.ca

About the Author

A social psychologist, Larry Axelrod, PhD provides consultation, training, strategic facilitation, and dispute resolution services for public and private sector organizations across Canada. He is currently President and Managing Director of The Neutral Zone Coaching and Consulting Services. He works with organizations and individuals to help them understand differences and overcome disputes through the engagement of ethical, respectful, and progressive people practices.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Alberta Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 088864440X
• ISBN 13: 9780888644404
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304