Customer Reviews

Managing Differences: How to Build Better Relationships at Work and Home

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Dana explains theories and philosophies dealing with conflict resolution that are applicable to every person's life. His examples are real life experiences that many readers will find familiar. It is hard to put this book down. Not only is it great for educational purpose, but this book should be used as a reference at any time. Everyone should become accustomed to the 4 Step Method. BRAVO!!

I tripped upon this book because it is referred to often in other texts and forums on leadership, conflict resolution and managing diversity. And, for good reason! This book is so straightforward. It looks at life and shines a very bright light on the human tendancy to shut down communication or escalate battles and, of course, how destructive that is. The author doesn't dance around that reality, yet he presents it in a way that even the most defensive can accept this truth, (a testimony to his own developed skill in managing differences.) As if this is not powerful enough, Dana goes on to empower the reader with a complete how-to for resolving all tense relationships. This book is truly valuable and will have a permanent home in my reference library. Given how valuable it is, I would say to the author that he should go into an additional printing of the book. I, for one, would pay the standard business book price (approx. $20) for this wonderful book. That it is now only available in a secondary market for a mere $1.95 makes it truly the best value in the world.

I have been aware of Dr. Dana for a number of years but never before read any of his writings. I have been a professional mediator for over 15 years and am transitioning my practice from primarily divorce and civil cases to mediating with troubled marriage couples to resolve their conflicts and keep their marriages together. Managing Differences succinctly fills a gap in mediation literature in telling how to "self mediate", a process that couples can carry with them beyond their work with me. The book will be of value to managers at all levels in equipping them to more comfortably deal with workplace or any other conflict. Anyone who would like to be more effective in dealing with conflict in their own lives or helping others do so will benefit from Dr. Dana's down to earth guidance. Just applying Dr. Dana's two simple "Cardinal Rules" can prevent conflicts from being unresolved. In Appendix #2 Dana provides guidelines for how, after having read the book, to use it as a reference whenever the need arises. Best of all, Dr. Dana has kept it simple and practical. It's well worth your money and your time.