Chapter 4. Engaging Conflict Constructively

So far, we've focused on improving the "internal" aspects of personal conflict competence. Understanding our attitudes about conflict, recognizing the value of conflict, and investigating our natural responses to conflict help us address it intellectually. Then, learning how to cool down and slow down by managing our feelings and/or pausing before reacting helps regulate our emotional responses to conflict. Next, we prepare to actively engage with our conflict partners. In this chapter, we look at ways to improve the way we interact by utilizing constructive approaches and lessening or avoiding the temptation to engage destructively.

CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT

During our years of experience working with individuals, ...

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