From Conflict to Conciliation
How to Defuse Difficult Situations

Edited by:

William W. Purkey - North Carolina Center for Invitational Education, Greensboro, NC
John J. Schmidt - East Carolina University, USA
John M. Novak - Brock University, Canada

Other Titles in:
Communication Skills | Conflict Resolution for Professionals

April 2010 | 184 pages | Corwin

Conflict is inevitable, but educators can work together effectively if they understand how to defuse difficult situations before they escalate. This resource describes the Six-C process, a conflict resolution method that allows educators to take progressively more assertive steps as necessary to resolve disagreements.

Based on research and easy to remember, this approach helps readers handle challenging situations using the least amount of time and energy. Illustrated with many examples and scenarios, the six steps are:

- Concern: identifying actionable concerns

- Confer: expressing concerns in nonthreatening ways

- Consult: reviewing and clarifying the situation collaboratively

- Confront: considering consequences and giving clear warnings

- Combat: taking sustained, logical action

- Conciliation: mending the wounds and restoring relationships

Focused on preserving relationships while resolving disagreements, From Conflict to Conciliation can be used in any situation or setting, from the classroom to the community.

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

1. Conflict and the Six-C Process

Introduction

Research and Anecdotal Support

What Is Unique About This Book?

The Six-C Process

The Conciliation Capstone

Saving Time and Energy

Conflict Is Inevitable

The Use and Misuse of Power

The Democratic Ideal

Why Everyone Matters

The Perceptual Tradition

When Viewpoints Conflict

Acceptance Versus Agreement

Summary

Major Themes

2. Concern

Latent Concerns

Actionable Concerns

What Is a Concern?

What Are Moral and Ethical Concerns?

What Are Your Concerns?

Potential Concerns at School

Potential Concerns at Home

Potential Concerns in the Community

Summary

Major Themes

3. Confer

Setting the Stage for Conferring

Can You Express Your Concern Clearly?

Can You Look Beyond the Immediate Concern?

Is There Room for Compromise or Re-Conceptualization?

The Value of Seeking Commitment

Helpful Communication Skills

The 3+++wish? Formula

Practicing the 3+++wish? Formula

Handling Challenges

Summary

Major Themes

4. Consult

Considering the Situation

What Is a Consulting Relationship?

Using a Triangular Structure

Involving Others in a Consultation

Sequential Steps for Consulting

Practicing the Consulting Sequence

Summary

Major Themes

5. Confront

Questions to Ask Yourself

Difference Between Conflict and Confrontation

Understanding Confrontation

Adapting Constructive Confrontation

Applying Practical Tips

Major Themes

6. Combat

Constraints on Combat

The Use of Power

Increasing Chances for a Desirable Outcome

Taking a Stand

Civilized Dissent

Summary

Major Themes

7. Conciliation and Beyond

Conciliation After Combat

Conciliation as a Reflective Process

Beyond Conciliation

Summary

Major Themes

References and Resources

Index

"This book contains a wealth of strategies to use on a daily basis for interacting effectively with others. Educators will enjoy teaching these valuable life skills to their students and seeing the positive results."

Jenny Edwards, Faculty, Fielding Graduate University

Author, Inviting Students to Learn

“Every teacher should study the Six-C Process. The authors provide a positive, constructive, and hands-on approach to dealing with challenging situations. What a great process for educators to use!”

David A. Chapman, Superintendent

South Vermillion Community Schools, Clinton, IN

"A truly brilliant guide to help the reader assess the inevitable conflicts of daily life! Through a step-by-step process, the authors share pointed questions that can prevent conflicts of life and work from becoming overwhelming. Readers will find this useful for building personal relationships as well as professional ones."

Sue Bowen, Retired Assistant Superintendent

Woodford County Schools, Versailles, KY

“The 6-C process adds a unique dimension to conflict resolution. My experience with the 6 Cs integrated in the Grow With Guidance System produced powerful and empowering results. Thank you for this dynamic book!”

Tommie R. Radd, Counselor

Columbus City Schools, OH

"The authors recommend useful strategies for improving the human condition using the least amount of energy and time. This is a good read for employees and managers who work with the diverse individuals in today's fast-paced and competitive workplace."

Belquis Majboor

JAME magazine, 2010, (Vol. 15, No. 4)