In this category, I give tips and strategies to develop your conflict competencies.
Conflict Competence is the ability and attitude to use the knowledge and skills you already have, even in stressful conflict situations.
When you are conflict competent, a conflict may still arise. You’ll handle the stress better, have more control over your reactions in volatile situations, and reduce conflict’s negative effects.
Conflict competence is a life skill I use in the service of my clients and volunteer organizations, and when life tests me.
Through competently managed conflicts we learn, grow and develop, which are often unexpected but positive outcomes of a conflict experience.
There’s more in Books/Resources links in the main menu.
Click to read my answers to questions asked to The Conflict Doctor.
Click to use the contact page to ask your specific questions.
The mediator was Deborah Sword. She conducted an exemplary mediation conducted with dignity and professionalism. This case was perhaps more difficult than most. At first, I did not have high hopes for resolving this file at the mediation stage. However, Ms. Sword brought the participants to a point where we reached common ground and we were able to settle it fairly.
A lawyer at mediation
Deborah, we can’t thank you enough for your patient, gentle and professional instruction and for sharing your incredible knowledge and insight on how to deal with conflict and have difficult conversations. We learned a great deal over the course of a few days and have already made changes in our office. Thank you so much.
Consultation Client
Deborah went above and beyond with our client. She provided a full day workshop (instead the half day we quoted) to the team to help the client fully understand the dynamics of their conflict. Deborah’s depth and breadth of knowledge on the topic visibly reassured our client on several occasions. As well her expertise gave them considerable ideas and suggestions for future work they could do for themselves.
Consultation Client
Deborah Sword 