Little Book of Conflict Transformation: Clear Articulation Of The Guiding Principles By A Pioneer In The Field (Justice and Peacebuilding)

This slender volume is a quick read, well worded so that its ideas can be readily ubderstood. The basic principles articulared are worth deep reflection and I find them coming to mind in a variety of situations. Especially valuable is the handling dilemmas which seem either-or, yet best call for affirmation of both-and; and also the value of stretching to see how to handle immediate crises while seeing deeper, more long term issues which give rise to them. I find this book coming back to mind quite occasionally.

This book contains useful advice for addressing many social or interpersonal conflict situations in your life. It presents advice that has helped me to change the way I think about conflict -- mainly, the author emphasizes seeing conflict events as potentials for social transformation, rather than simply something to end or resolve. He promises some big airy ideas, and he makes good on his promise with some concrete examples at the end. (I did find myself wishing for more of these.)

It's rather dense and abstract, but I know the principles are sound. I can picture applying them to conflicts on micro and macro levels. Except when people with serious personality disorders are involved.

Small jam packed practical. How to make the most out of conflict intervention by seeing it as an opportunity for deep relational and systemic transformation.

Read the book for class and was worth the few dollars I spent and a wonderful subject to do a presentation on

The thesis is that "conflict transformation" is a more appropriate phrase than "conflict resolution" or "conflict management." The author brings expertise from the Mennonites and his global practice. The result is a dense, complex little book.Chapter 1, "Conflict Transformation?" describes the creative tension "between themes of resolution and transformation in order to sharpen understanding, not to discredit the work of those who prefer other terms" (p.6)Chapter 2, the "Lenses of Conflict Transformation" describes ways of "looking as well as seeing complexity." That lens shows 1) the immediate situation, 2) underlying patterns and context, and 3) a conceptual framework.Chapter 3 defines conflict transformation as a normal and continuous dynamicChapter 4 describes how conflict impacts us, and 4 types of change goalsChapter 5, "Connecting Resolution and Transformation", focuses on the question "How do we end something not desired and build something we do desire?" (see p.33)Chapter 6, "Creating a Map of Conflict", describes a process map with 1) the presenting situation, 2) the horizon of the future, and 3) the development of change processes.Chapter 7, "Process-Structures as Platforms for Change", includes both circular and linear models over time (see p. 46).Chapter 8, "Defining our Capacities" describes 5 practices.Chapter 9, "Applying the Framework" uses both an episode lens and an epicenter lens to focus on transformation.Chapter 10, "Conclusion" encourages practitioners to focus on the bigger, more complex questions. Respectfully, Doug Gray, PhD, [email protected]. Author of OKR Leadership; How to Apply Silicon Valley’s Secret Sauce to Your Career, Team or Organization (2019)

Though short, this is not an easy book to read. But changing habitual ways of speaking and acting is never easy. We all need the skills explained in this book, especially those of us (like teachers) who are responsible for the workings of a group of people.

To the point. Easy read

It gives a good overview of this subject. It is a short and rel. fast read and a good hand-book to draw on. It makes the longer term process of conflict transformation clear as a evolving going around moving forward tube with perhaps a lengthy time to research a more satisfying conclusion for all sides involved.

Its a very practical, interesting book about peace and conflict transformation. A pocket version of Lederach's work with concepts and reflexions.

Based on his own experience he explains his approach and gives easy to follow instructions - helpful but somehow simplifying

Amazing book for anyone involved in the peace, conflict resolution and transformation field. it is also handy for those willing to understand the root basics of conflict be it in personal life and one to one individual relationship. as well as how to transform them.

Bought for a mandatory class reading, really enjoyed it! Would recommend.