Welcome To The Free Conflict Help Center

Where ever people gather and interact there will be differences of opinion, conflict, disagreements, disputes and arguments. It's a normal part of human functioning. We all have a tendency to shy away from conflict or view it as a negative process. What's easy to forget is that conflict can be a negative thing, or it can be positive depending on the characteristics of the conflict, and how we manage and handle disputes and disagreements.

This public service site was built to help people improve their ability to manage conflict effectively once it starts, and to prevent unnecessary conflict and misguided conflict escalation

Features of This Conflict Site

• Read free articles, tips and hints about managing conflict, interpersonal disagreements, and arguments written by conflict author and consultant, Robert Bacal
• Find hundreds of free conflict management and resolution articles annotated and available on the Internet. This conflict material ranges from the abstract (models of conflict) to conflict style instruments you can take online, through to workplace violence. We've included hundreds of hints, tips and practical suggestions about how you can reduce the frequence and intensity and damage of conflict situations at home, and at work.
• Learn: We've produced an innovative book on preventing conflict, and some shorter tools called "helpcards" that will help you with anger management, thinking through conflict strategies and getting along with other people. They pertain both to conflict, and to communication, since communication is so often implicated in conflict situations. Free previews are available for all of these learning tools, and they are available in printed format or via electronic download.
• Subscribe free of charge to our Work911 newsletter that contains updates on new articles added to the site, and articles, tips and hints on all aspects of workplace success

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Suggestion: There is a huge amount of conflict management, resolution material on this site. We suggest that you take your time and explore using the links in the top menu, and/or the drop down menus at the top.

The Conflict Library on this site contains over 1,000 articles, resources and tools to help you understand and manage conflict more effectively. To access all categories about conflict click here.

Newest Conflict Related Resources On This Site:

• Personality Mapping, Conflict management and Team building

  By na - Slide show presentation on personality mapping as it relates to conflict ^new (Added: 1-Feb-2010 Hits: 22 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• Podcast Effective Apologies: Master Mediator Bob Creo on the Why and How of Saying You're Sorry (June 12). > CPR > News

  By Bob Creo - Summary: The view on apologies from a veteran mediator: Robert A. Creo, a longtime friend of the CPR Institute, visits International Dispute Negotiation host Michael McIlwrath in Florence, Italy, to discuss why saying you are sorry can bring about a positive resolution. Bob has worked as an arbitrator and neutral, from his Pittsburgh hometown, since the 1970s. He says here that the legal system%u2019s fear of liability results in actions that run in the opposite direction of human nature%u2019s call, which would be to acknowledge mistakes in the hopes of reaching conciliation and moving on. About 25 minutes. ^new (Added: 1-Feb-2010 Hits: 36 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• Audio Podcast 79--Part 2: The Science of Conflict with Robert Creo and Monique McKay (Oct. 9). > CPR > News

  By na - Summary: Understand the brain, make better choices in ADR. In Part 2 of his discussion with the principals behind the nonprofit Master Mediation Institute, Robert A. Creo and Monique McKay, International Dispute Negotiation host Michael McIlwrath looks at the science of decision making--and Cthe science behind mediators sense. As Mike noted in Part I last week, this subject "could be a game changer. ^new (Added: 1-Feb-2010 Hits: 34 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• Multi-Dimensional Mediation (Nov. 24) > CPR > News

  By PAUL E. MASON - Multi-dimensional mediation goes beyond the usual concept of multiparty mediation, although it can and often does include more than one party. As the term suggests, multi-dimensional mediation involves mediating beyond the normal two-party scenario where many other factors come into play. ^new (Added: 1-Feb-2010 Hits: 42 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• Workplace Bullying Is On The Rise: 5 Verbal Self Defense Tips You Can Use To Beat The Office Bully

  By Debbie Jenkins - According to Unison (the public sector union), reports of bullying have doubled in the past ten years. Their survey of 7,000 workers found that more than one in three people had been victims of bullying in the past six months. Dr Daniel Scott, author of 'Verbal Self Defense in The Workplace', says: "With the current financial climate, extra pressure has been put on managers and workers to get results. This has led to more aggressive targets, increased pressure, more criticism of co-workers and a very real concern for job security." PS. You should know that this doesn't necessarily mean more bullying is happening, but only more is reported. ^new (Added: 1-Feb-2010 Hits: 41 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• Managers must understand three resolution methods - Phoenix Business Journal:

  By na - In resolving conflict, no single approach works every time. This is what makes resolution so incredibly challenging. Whenever a particular workplace conflict occurs, the method of resolution chosen usually demonstrates the manager's ability to govern the environment. If the correct method is chosen, the outcome is generally positive: increased trust, communication, productivity and other benefits that come naturally with successful conflict resolution. (Added: 21-Sep-2009 Hits: 510 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• Enjoy Your Marriage More: Tips to Help Improve Relationships

  By Laura Block-Stewart - In order to enjoy a marriage, couples need to consider the following the tips in order to increase their overall satisfaction. (Added: 12-Dec-2008 Hits: 1004 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• How To Make Peace With Your Mother-In-Law

  By Becky Sweat - Conflict with your mother-in-law causes tension for your children, husband and the rest of your family. Learn how to ease the conflicts and have a peaceful relationship with your mother-in-law. (Added: 12-Dec-2008 Hits: 548 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• The Fine Art of Apology

  By Victor Parachin - Arguments and disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, and when an apology is needed sometimes it is hard to do. Look no further for some advice on the fine art of apology. (Added: 12-Dec-2008 Hits: 700 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• A Couple's Guide to Dealing with Annoying People

  By n a - Don't let these four situations cause a rift between you and your spouse. Avoid conflict in your marriage before it can start. (Added: 12-Dec-2008 Hits: 623 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• How to Shut Down Your Mother-in-law

  By Judy Koutsky - If your Mum-in-law seems to be trying to engage you in a negative way, here are some methods you should try to diffuse her snideness. (Added: 12-Dec-2008 Hits: 787 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• Five Ways to Argue Fairly

  By n a - Arguments are natural in any relationship. The problem comes when arguments turn ugly and hurtful. Words can injure deeply. They can cause emotional scars that can be difficult to heal. (Added: 11-Dec-2008 Hits: 1126 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)

• How To Argue Fairly

  By n a - Here are some great ground rules for arguing effectively. Also, there are benefits to some argument. Learn what they are here. (Added: 11-Dec-2008 Hits: 955 Rating: 0 Votes: 0)