Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration (Paperback)

by Stewart Levine (Author) "Settlement of a lawsuit is often characterized by thinking that "if both sides are unhappy, you probably have a good settlement..." (more)
Key Phrases: fostering resolution, preliminary vision, agreement template, Reflections Think, Action New Vision, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
"Spit happens," says Levine in this practical book on conflict resolution, and he proposes a structured, seven-step collaborative model for dealing with it. A self-styled "resolutionist," Levine has 25 years of experience dealing with conflict as a lawyer, mediator, consultant, and trainer. He suggests that disputes can be resolved by practicing ten basic principles ranging from an "assumption of abundance" (there is more than enough to go around in this conflict) to a state of being what he calls "responsAble" (looking to oneself rather than to outside professionals for solutions). While much of Levine's model depends on a healthy state of optimism ("Remember. The glass is half full"), his process has real application not only for third-party mediators but also for individuals in the middle of a dispute, and it can be self-administered. He makes the process accessible, neatly summarizing each chapter and sprinkling his presentation liberally with cogent quotes and useful examples. Recommended for all public libraries.?Julie Denny, Alliance for Mediation & Conflict Resolution, Inc., Amenia, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
What is the greatest impediment to productive and satisfying business and personal relationships? According to empowerment guru Stewart Levine, it's inadequate conflict resolution. Levine's seven- step model integrates two skills essential for success - collaboration and conflict resolution - and emphasizes the importance of a shift in attitude, assumptions, and approaches when facing a problem.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 226 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576751155
• ISBN-13: 978-1576751152
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #702,411 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST IN THE FIELD., March 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict into Collaboration (Hardcover)

I now use Stewart Levine's material exclusively in my Conflict Management work. I first ask the adversaries to read the book, which generally gives them "an attitude of resolution." Also, reading the book lets the the people in conflict know the process. Thus, they are not fearful of what will happen next, and tend to work with me. So far, I am delighted with the results. This book is Win-Win.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Conflict Resolution: A wonderfully Simple Approach, December 1, 2000

By	Noah Rhodes "nrhod930" (Stevens Point, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict into Collaboration (Hardcover)

One of the wisest sayings in history said that 'one will never know true happiness unless they have experienced true sorrow.' It is this idea that drives our lives, that keeps it interesting and worth living. Conflict is what makes the joys in life so beautiful, but it is also one of the most misunderstood facts of human existence. Conflict is not bound by negative or positive. Conflict is the act of "engagement, learning, creativity and the opportunity for creative value," (xiii) according to Stewart Levine.

It is he who wrote Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict into Collaboration. It is this book that we will now consider. From its definition of conflict to its detailed process on how to turn conflict into collaboration, Stewart Levine simply presents what role conflict should play in each of our lives.

Stewart Levine defines conflict as a process of creation and discovery. He criticizes many sects including law, government and other business groups that view a good resolution to conflict as being one sided. Levine argues that a true resolution has not been reached until both sides are satisfied. That is why he has developed a 7-Step model for conflict resolution. It goes as follows:

1. The attitude of resolution

2. Telling your story

3. Listening for a preliminary vision of resolution

4. Getting current and complete

5. Reaching agreement in principle

6. Crafting the new agreement

7. Resolution

Levine states his points very eloquently and simply, which is his greatest strength. He eliminates a lot of the corporate jargon and disciplined mumbo-jumbo from his rhetoric, which simply leaves the meat of the subject - how to resolve conflict. Levine begins his text by showing the costs of conflict, both physical and intangible. He points out that time wasted in conflict can cost a company or organization thousands, whereas a quick and efficient resolution can move an organization forward at an even greater rate. He then presents a model on how resolution is attained and ten principles necessary to finding that resolution. They include such traits as creativity, vulnerability and responsibility.

Later in the book, Levine even presents a short section on where to go to find assistance in resolving conflict. He discusses the law community, not specifically but in a broad sense that shows what could happen in a court setting, arbitration or a mini-trial. Levine also discusses the attributes of an arbitrator or resolutionary as he calls it.

All of his definitions and processes make a considerable amount of sense and could be easily applied to every day conflict. Whether in the home or workplace, these processes should be strictly adhered to. When you consider the seven steps above, one can see the obvious need for each. Firstly attitude. One must be in the right mindset in order to seek resolution. Then you must tell your story - frankly and unbiasedly. Next you must listen to the other side and consider possible points of resolution in what you both said. The fourth step would be to clarify your understanding, or becoming current and complete as Levine puts it. Then you reach a preliminary agreement, then solidify it and finally implement the resolution. It is simple and if done efficiently, could take but moments to work through. Levine should be congratulated for his work with this book. Its simplicity and frankness made it extremely enjoyable and with little time to spare, it was nice to take up a book that read so quickly. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a more definite way to find resolution in all the conflicts of life. Ultimately, finding that resolution will make your life more gratifying and complete.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Levine has hit the nail on the head. Really practical stuff., March 4, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict into Collaboration (Hardcover)

I am an organizational psychologist and frequently deal with conflict inside a client organization. I have found Getting to Resolution to be a breath of fresh air. Levine's model really works, it's practical, well thought out, and obviously based on real world experience. It's a much more appealing guide to conflict resolution than the more common academic treatises on conflict that line bookstore shelves. I can't recommend it strongly enough. Dr. Larry Richard