This new book by Robert C. Bordone (negotiation professor) and Joel Salinas (behavioural neurologist) is essential reading for everyone! It asks the question “Have we lost the capacity to engage constructively in conflict?”, exploring what this might look like, potential causes, and most importantly, strategies to help people re-engage.
The authors define conflict resilience as the ability to be in the presence of disagreement, discomfort, and difference, without resorting to avoidance or aggression. It is a mindset and skill set that enables one to stand firm when challenged, to remain present rather than panic or withdraw.
The authors acknowledge that not every disagreement can be solved, and they offer tools that support people to remain present even when resolution is out of reach. The book is also rich with examples. Readers will find stories from personal, professional, and public life, including moments of political disagreement, workplace tension, and family conflict.
Joe Salinas’s perspectives from neuroscience show what’s happening in our brains and bodies during conflict. Bob Bordone’s examples from his practice and working with students at Harvard Law School are fascinating and demonstrate their points in an interesting and educational way.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough!