Conflict is not the problem we think it is, says Dr. Mark Lee Robinson, author of Just Conflict: Transformation through Resolution (Epigraph Publishing). While most of us see it as a scary or deeply painful thing, Robinson urges us to view conflict as the potential for healing and for personal change. "I have seen people transform their lives simply by learning how to engage conflict in a creative way," he says. "There are simple and effective steps anyone can take that will resolve conflicts painlessly." Robinson outlines these simple steps to Creative Conflict Resolution in Just Conflict, an outgrowth of his work in service of nonviolence and gender equality, and his passionate belief that, while conflict is inevitable, the pain and suffering that stem from conflict are not. As he says, "Thinking in a new way about conflict can lead to happier lives and a more peaceful and just society."
Robinson knows that his conflict resolution principles are effective because he developed them while working with some of St. Louis' most violent men. "I was doing contract work for the Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program of the Masters and Johnson Institute, and I was Clinical Director of a city program called RAVEN that does intervention with men who batter and who commit sexual assault, men usually considered the worst of humanity," he says. "In fact, I was often told I was naïve to think such men could change; basically, they were assumed to be hopeless." But Robinson refused to give up. "Through my years in the program, I realized a core issue for these men was the inability to handle conflict," he says. "So I developed my method of conflict resolution that actually works, even for this violent population. I realized that, if it can work for them, it can work for anyone."
In Just Conflict: Transformation Through Resolution (Epigraph), Robinson shares basic principles of conflict resolution that can literally change your life. "Conflict doesn't have to be a fearful or overwhelming experience," he says. "Instead, conflict can be the catalyst for profound transformation."
Just Conflict helps readers gain greater confidence about their capacity to name, address, and resolve any conflict. "Once you realize you can handle any issue that comes up in a relationship," says Robinson, "the thought of facing conflict no longer produces anxiety. Instead, conflict is seen as an opportunity for growth and greater understanding. The thing to keep in mind is that all conflicts can be resolved. In the process, we can change ourselves, our relationships, even our society."
Filled with inspiring stories of actual clients, Just Conflict is also an easy-to-follow manual that shows every reader how to:
- Remain calm and centered when facing conflict.
- See clearly what the conflict is about and where it's coming from.
- Address the conflict creatively and assertively.
- Create what you need without expecting or depending on others to change.
While Just Conflict is a valuable resource for mental health practitioners, social scientists, and politicians-or anyone who deals with conflict in their profession-the book is really intended for ordinary individuals who want happier and more peaceful lives. "The first step of the journey to world peace begins at home," says Robinson. "Just Conflict shows all of us, layman or professional, the way to creating greater understanding and more compassionate relationships.
For more information on Dr. Robinson's work, visit Dr. Robinson
A Conversation with Author Rev. Dr. Mark Lee Robinson
You worked for over thirty years with what some would call the lowest form of humanity: men who batter and who sexually abuse children. In fact, your experiences with these men resulted in your new book, Just Conflict. Did you ever get disheartened working with these men?
What did you learn from those violent men?
How did you first get involved in conflict resolution?
What would you say is the main problem people have with conflict?
Just Conflict outlines simple steps for peaceful and creative conflict resolution. What would you say is the most important key?
Your book gives practical, simple steps for resolving conflict and transforming ourselves, our relationships, even our society.
Is there support for people who want to approach conflict in a more creative way?
Is there a next book in the works?
And what about upcoming workshops?
My Take On The Book
I have read a lot of books on Leadership as well as conflict resolution. Am I an expert, no, not by any extent, so reading this book, I found it interesting to look at the new approach that Dr. Mark Robinson has developed to sheds light on how we can grow as people as a result of how we deal with conflict within our lives. Dr. Robinson uses both theory and practical application to help the experienced and non-experienced see conflict resolution though different eyes. He also makes the material and concepts that he shares very easy-to-understand.
Dr. Robinson provides readers both personal and professional insights that provide positive impact on how you can live your life. We all have to deal with conflict on a daily basis, some will be minor and others major, so Dr. Robinson gives the reader tools to use when dealing with these to help all of us deal with this conflict one step at a time.
If this book sounds like a book that you would like to add to your collection, you can find it on Amazon!
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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