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Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict

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Practical strategies to manage conflict in both personal and professional relationships

Conflict is an unavoidable aspect of human existence, so it's vital to develop communication skills that will help you navigate these challenging moments. With The Conflict Resolution Playbook, you'll discover real-life solutions to everyday problems and develop communication skills that can help you make breakthroughs at work, improve your relationships at home, and lead to significant personal growth.

You'll start by learning about conflict and the fundamental communication skills necessary for resolution. Then you can put that knowledge to use with clear-cut strategies for preventing conflicts, resolving them once they start, and dealing with common issues, such as gaslighting and bullying. Along the way, you'll gain a better understanding of conflict itself—where it comes from, why it cuts so deep, and how it can be of value.

Improve your communication skills

Back to the basics—Identify humankind's core psychological needs—identity, safety, care, autonomy, growth, and stimulation—and how they relate to conflict.Real-world advice—Learn to recognize different communication styles, collaborate on solutions, practice assertiveness, and more, through relatable scenarios and actionable strategies.The written word—Discover tips for avoiding or resolving common digital communication issues and boost your text-based communication skills.Learn how to improve your communication skills and develop the tools you need to navigate your way through any conflict.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2020

241 people are currently reading
278 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
2,934 reviews261 followers
January 19, 2021
I received a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

This book was around 3.5 stars for me.

This is a book of conflict resolution tips and tricks. The chapters are short and straightforward. There's examples of kinds of conflict and ways to prevent them throughout the book. Some of the information is a little basic and seems like common sense but there are helpful scripts provided throughout. Overall it presents interesting information, but doesn't touch on how bias and privilege can play into how we perceive interactions or each other which I thought was surprising.

Overall I see how this could be a helpful book for some.
Profile Image for Sarah Jensen.
2,090 reviews163 followers
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April 13, 2025
Book Review: Conflict Resolution Playbook: Practical Communication Skills for Preventing, Managing, and Resolving Conflict by Jeremy Pollack

In Conflict Resolution Playbook, Jeremy Pollack provides a comprehensive and practical guide to navigating the complexities of conflict in both personal and professional settings. Drawing from his expertise as an organizational psychologist, Pollack delivers a resource that is not only informative but also actionable, making it an essential tool for anyone looking to improve their conflict management skills.

Practical Frameworks for Conflict Resolution

The strength of Pollack’s playbook lies in its structured approach to conflict resolution. The book lays out clear frameworks and guidelines that help readers identify potential conflicts before they escalate. Pollack introduces the concept of a “conflict resolution audit,” which empowers individuals and teams to proactively address disagreements through effective communication and negotiation strategies. This preventative mindset is invaluable, as it encourages readers to think critically about their interactions and the dynamics of their environments.

Effective Communication Skills

At the heart of conflict resolution is communication, and Pollack emphasizes this throughout the book. He offers practical tips for enhancing communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and assertiveness. Each chapter is filled with real-world examples and scenarios that illustrate how these skills can be applied in various contexts. By equipping readers with the tools to express their needs and understand others’ perspectives, Pollack fosters a more collaborative approach to conflict management.

Flexibility and Adaptability

While Pollack provides well-defined strategies, he also stresses the importance of flexibility and adaptability in conflict situations. He acknowledges that no two conflicts are the same and encourages readers to tailor their approaches based on the dynamics at play. This emphasis on adaptability is crucial, as it recognizes the complexities of human interactions and the need for nuanced responses.

Empowerment and Encouragement

Throughout the book, Pollack’s tone is empowering and encouraging. He effectively conveys that conflict is a natural part of relationships and that managing it successfully can lead to growth and stronger connections. By demystifying the conflict resolution process, he instills confidence in readers, making them feel equipped to handle challenging situations.

Conclusion: A Valuable Resource

Conflict Resolution Playbook is a well-crafted guide that stands out due to its practicality and depth. Jeremy Pollack has successfully created a resource that not only addresses the strategies for resolving conflicts but also encourages personal development and self-awareness. This book is highly recommended for anyone—from business leaders and educators to individuals seeking to enhance their interpersonal skills—looking to foster healthier relationships and effectively manage conflicts. It serves as a vital addition to the libraries of professionals and laypeople alike, paving the way for more constructive and harmonious interactions in all aspects of life.
Profile Image for Ed Barton.
1,303 reviews
February 11, 2021
The Conflict Resolution Playbook is ok. The basics are all there, and the information fundamentally sound. The writing is tough to engage with. The stories used as examples seem strained and difficult to relate to. However, the Keep in Mind sections of each chapter are well written, well-articulated summaries of the key elements of the book. There are a lot of books on conflict resolution out there - and this is one of them. With little to distinguish it, outside of the well-written chapter summaries, the beauty will be in the eye of the reader on the style.
52 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2021
Great book on conflicts at various places

This book covers how to resolve conflicts in many places with an example that helped relate my past experiences and how to effectively manage them rather than ignoring them.
6 reviews
July 19, 2021
Great read

Very insightful information. I liked the scenarios that provided an example of the behavior and hen the helpful tips that followed. Definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Shantana.
87 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2023
I enjoyed that this book front loaded the why of conflict. It had realistic advice for all kinds of conflicts. Will definitely read again.
Profile Image for Lexie.
171 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2023
Parts of this book were good and others weren’t. Definitely hints of the “do what’s best for you” mindset.
Profile Image for Seth Fish.
10 reviews
August 15, 2024
I have used the content of this book! Well worth the read. It has influenced many of my meetings and interactions.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews

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