Bridging Troubled Waters : Conflict Resolution From the Heart [Hardcover]

Michelle LeBaron (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0787948217 | ISBN-13: 978-0787948214 | Edition: 1

Bridging Troubled Waters is about a robust and holistic approach to resolving conflict. It begins where much of the currently accepted theory and practice in the field leaves off. Like a hand pulling back the curtain from parts of us that have been closeted away, this book reveals ways we can use more of ourselves in addressing conflict. Moving beyond the analytic and the intellectual, it situates our efforts at bridging conflict in the very places where conflict is born--relationships. From relationships come connection, meaning, and identity. It is through awareness of connection, shared meaning, and respect for identity that conflicts are transformed.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bridging Troubled Waters weaves together striking analyses of cases and stories with a sensitive and reflective meditation on the challenges of community building and peacemaking. Instructors, students, and practitioners of all kinds will find fresh insights and approaches here." --John Forester, professor, Department of City and Regional Planning, Cornell University

"Bridging Troubled Waters illustrates and illuminates the value and importance of creativity in dealing with the complexity of conflict. It helps us explore how to employ our whole selves-our minds, hearts, and souls- in approaching conflict." --Chris Carlson, coexecutive director, the Policy Consensus Initiative, Santa Fe

"This is a must-read for the practitioner as well as the academic. A brilliant approach to conflict resolution that is certain to shift the thinking of those who are still operating from twentieth century approaches. This is a necessary addition to the library of all conflict resolution educators and practitioners." --David E. Reagan, psychology and communications instructor, Camosun College, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

From the Inside Flap

Bridging Troubled Waters marks a new wave in conflict resolution practice, centered in relationship and creativity. Developed by Michelle LeBaron from over two decades of teaching and practicing in organizations and institutions around the world, her approach infuses the science of conflict resolution practice with art and the techniques with humanity.

Bridging Troubled Waters is about a robust and holistic approach to resolving conflict. It begins where much of the currently accepted theory and practice in the field leaves off. Like a hand pulling back the curtain from parts of us that have been closeted away, this book reveals ways we can use more of ourselves in addressing conflict. Moving beyond the analytic and the intellectual, it situates our efforts at bridging conflict in the very places where conflict is born--relationships. From relationships come connection, meaning, and identity. It is through awareness of connection, shared meaning, and respect for identity that conflicts are transformed.

LeBaron reveals how mediators and facilitators can bridge conflict by tapping into their physical selves (from which change is enacted); their feeling selves (sources of empathy and genuineness); their dreaming selves (from which arise imagination and vision); and their spirit selves (from which meaning is made and deep connections are forged). This creative approach transforms conflict intervention into a way of drawing on human capacities to entertain ambiguity, cultivate openness to innovation, and engage creatively. Bridging Troubled Waters unlocks a treasure trove of new tools to enhance the repertoires of conflict resolvers, including stories, metaphors, and rituals.

Michelle LeBaron shows us that by embracing the art and science of conflict resolution, mediators and facilitators can become more intuitive, sensitive, and ultimately more courageous.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (July 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787948217
• ISBN-13: 978-0787948214
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,583,120 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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