FROM THE CRITICS

"This book is guaranteed to strike a chord with anyone seeking greater understanding of the dynamics of conflict and the paths to transformation. Cloke and Goldsmith draw on their vast experience as mediators, taking us inside the world of conflict stories. They show us how to listen at three levels and ask questions that open doors for understanding, healing, and growth. An invaluable book!" (Karl Slaikeu, president of Chorda Conflict Management; author, When Push Comes to Shove)

"An eloquent primer for anyone trying to live a successful and satisfying life. Using conflict as a prism, Joan Goldsmith and Kenneth Cloke provide an indispensable look at the elements necessary to transformation." (Eileen Moran Brown, president, Cambridge College)

"A classic! Full of timeless insights into highly sophisticated mediating. The stories are told in detail, so that moves and responses by the parties and the mediators are apparent. The mediators' exquisite sense of timing and respect for the parties combine to produce often astonishing results. Essential reading for experts as well as novices." (Barbara Ashley Phillips, author, Finding Common Ground and The Field Guide to Mediation)

"Those who seek a cookbook approach to mediation will find this volume far too rich. A varied menu of stories from the authors' twenty year practice shows how a trained ear, an open mind, a respectful and intuitive stance, and humane values can anchor and steer a broad and flexible repertoire of effective third-party practices. Tasty reading!" (Laura Chasin, director, Public Conversations Project)


 

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From the Publisher:

Learn how personal and organizational conflicts can be resolved by listening closely to the 'stories' people tell when they are in conflict, understanding why people tell their stories in the ways they do, and creating a third story that brings them together. This visionary book is written by Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith, two renowned mediators, who have used the narrative structure method successfully in their own mediation practice to move people in conflict from stubbornness, hostility, and fear to openness, collaboration, and forgiveness. Focusing on the transformative power of stories, Resolving Personal and Organizational Conflict includes an array of case studies from the authors' first-hand experience with thousands of clients. These case studies include the perspectives of all the parties in the conflict and cover a wide range of conflicts and disputes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface.

1. The Hidden Meaning of Conflict Stories.

2. Working with Stories to Resolve Conflict.

3. Stories Unheard and Untold.

4. Stories that Sacrifice Life.

5. Stories that Hold Organizations Hostage.

6. Stories that Justify Boundary Violations.

Conclusion: Living Happily Ever After.

About the Authors.

Index.

LINKS TO MORE BOOKS BY KENNETH CLOKE AND JOAN GOLDSMITH

Thank God It's Monday! 14 Values We Need To Humanize The Way We Work , McGraw Hill (1997)

Resolving Conflicts At Work: A Complete Guide For Everyone On The Job, Jossey-Bass/Wiley (2000)

Resolving Personal And Organizational Conflict: Stories Of Transformation & Forgiveness, Jossey-Bass/Wiley (2000)

The End of Management And The Rise Of Organizational Democracy , Jossey-Bass/Wiley (2002)

The Art Of Waking People Up: Cultivating Awareness And Authenticity At Work, Jossey-Bass/Wiley (2003)

BOOKS BY KENNETH CLOKE

Mediating Dangerously: The Frontiers Of Conflict Resolution , Jossey-Bass/Wiley (2001)

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