Conflicts: A Better Way to Resolve Them

by Edward de Bono

Think, don't fight.

In today’s world we use an out of date thinking system to navigate our way through modern society, especially when it comes to conflicts and disagreements.

Conflicts argues that instead of our age old system of debate we should adopt what de Bono calls a ‘design idiom’ and use lateral thinking to navigate a feud. If two parties think their argument is best, we should be introducing a third party role. De Bono explains how this concept of triangular thinking and map making is the way forward.

By highlighting how the current system holds us back and offering practical alternatives De Bono paves the way for a fundamental shift in conflict resolution.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Nonfiction, Science, Relationships, Politics, Family

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 1985

About the author

Edward de Bono was a Maltese physician, author, inventor, and consultant. He is best known as the originator of the term lateral thinking (structured creativity) and the leading proponent of the deliberate teaching of thinking in schools.

Reviews

[Bill Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, de Bono discusses different methods to resolving conflicts, particularly his concept of 'triangular thinking' and introducing a third party that is a creative designer. He claims that the current 'argument system' that we use to resolve conflicts is extremely ineffective and has the opposite effect. De Bono goes over a lot of concepts within these topics as well. What I really enjoyed about reading this book is how easily comprehensible the information is. De Bono utilizes a large amount of anecdotes and examples for comparison, making his discussion and thinking very clear and easy to understand. I did not have any issues reading this book and I did not dislike anything about it. I was required to read a conflict management book for a class I am in and this book was a great choice. No matter if it is for education or personal pleasure, I would highly recommend reading this book as it is an easy, enjoyable, and thought-provoking piece of literature.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting reading this book now, 30 or so years after I first read it. He has a rational approach, and it's a shame SITO didn't eventuate/survive.

[Imroze Aslam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough and useful analysis of everything about conflicts, going from the psychological factors behind conflicts and arguments, to ways of resolving them through creative and efficient ways.

[Abe Hanara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read. One of my favourites. The concepts discussed here suggest the imperative need for a change in our thinking when disagreements and conflicts of eny kind happen. Of the most valuable and interesting nature to me is the way that I found the concept of "conflict thiking" existing in my own mind, created and given presidence by none other than myself. An amazing read that is brutally honest and particularly useful in analysing what a disagreement or conflict really is. What is its value and what do we 'create' from it voluntarily that perhaps we don't need to. In essence, how do we solve problems as a society, in interpersonal relationships and most importantly within our own mind are what this book touches upon. I highly recommend this read.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides some helpful advice for conflict management.

[Venerdi Handoyo · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is almost impossible to fully grasp the idea of this book without reading Edward de Bono’s ‘Lateral Thinking’ (and ‘Six Thinking Hats’ - one that I would like to read in the near future). ‘Conflicts’ demonstrates that lateral thinking can be geared towards conflict resolution. While ‘Lateral Thinking’ is timeless, practical, applicable and groundbreaking, ‘Conflicts’ is merely a proposal that feels rather outdated today.