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The Eight Essential Steps To Conflict Resolution

 The book that I chose to read for my book review was, The Eight Essential Steps To
Conflict Resolution by Dr. Dudley Weeks. The reason I chose to read a book on conflict
resolution was to further improve my skills at avoiding and dealing with problems. Because I
feel that a person truly shows their character not when things are going well but when things
begin to go bad. And having the ability to deal with those problems strengthens one as a person.
Dudley Weeks, PH.D. is widely commended as one of the world's leaders in conflict
resolution. He lives in Washington, D.C., has worked in over sixty countries and has counseled
thousands of businesses, families, and communities in the United States. Dr. Weeks has twice
been nominated for the Noble Peace Prize. Dr. Weeks is now teaching conflict resolution at the
American University School of International Service and gives workshops throughout the world.
Dr. Weeks basically tears conflict resolution into eight steps. The first step is to create an
effective atmosphere. The second step is to clarify perceptions. Third is focus on individual and
shared needs. Fourth is build shared positive power. Fifth is look to the future, then learn from
the past. Sixth is generate options. Seventh is develop "Doables." And the last step is make
mutual benefit agreements. Dr. Weeks also touches on topics such as handling anger, dealing
with people who only want things their way, and dealing with conflicts that involve an injustice.
The first step is about Creating an Effective Atmosphere. Creating an effective
atmosphere is a very important step in the conflict resolution process. It is more likely for mutual
agreements be reached when the atmosphere is given careful consideration. When thinking about
atmosphere remember these ideas; personal preparation, timing, location, and lastly opening
statements. Personal preparation is doing all you can to ready yourself in positive ways to...