In this category, I discuss conflicts that shape how we recall and tell our stories. It’s an important topic because how conflict is depicted and reflected back to us, shapes and influences our understandings of the world.
I’m often disheartened at the negative and shallow ways that conflicts are depicted in fiction, nonfiction, popular culture, and current events. Inadequate analyses of conflicts contribute to the divisive polarization that currently rend politics and set us against each other.
Being conflict competent allowed me to deal with the wretchedness of quadruple (yes, four) mastectomies after I was diagnosed with a rare, potentially deadly form of breast cancer.
Bottom line: how to understand conflict is a core competency we all need in life and in society.
Stories are how we demonstrate our conflict competence and conflict incompetence. Stories are a safe place to figure out what we do or don’t want in our own lives and relationships.
On the other hand, fiction about competent conflict management, I am told often, won’t sell. Conflict sells. Incompetence sells. Dysfunctional interpersonal relationships also sell. Managing conflict with skill – big yawn.
What to do with my protagonist who is a Conflict Manager and very good at her job? My novel is an answer for those who say proficiently managing conflict isn’t interesting.
Soon, my finished novel might get published. Stay tuned.
Follow this blog for updates. Browse these posts where I use popular culture as examples of the good, the bad, and the ugly of conflict.
Dr. Sword is highly regarded for her preparation skills, ability to identify relevant criteria for decision-making, and hearing skills as a panel member. Her contribution to panel decision making is noted and she embodies other relevant attributes, including knowledge, judgment, consistency, and objectivity.
An Arbitration Client
Deborah Sword is an accomplished and insightful facilitator. Her knowledge and grasp of the subject matter are strengths she brings to the classroom and to the forums. Learners are intrigued by her skillful presentation of complex material. Through discussion questions and discussions, Deborah invited learners to think beyond the boundaries – she promoted critical thinking skills and challenged learners to present material that reflected good writing and thinking skills. The learners responded to her high expectations.
Teaching, University Mentor
I did find the technology hard in the beginning, but after a while I worked it out. Because of the group and the online teacher I kept trying because I found it so interesting. This was top quality, the best online learning experience I have seen. My wife is taking two online courses from a university and she was very jealous of my experience. It is clear that Deborah was well trained and supported us throughout the process.
Teaching, Online Course
Deborah Sword 