Anger is a protest that something we care about is at stake. This piece explores how to challenge power without causing harm, what people in authority owe those who speak up, and how groups can decide together how anger is expressed and received.
Why "You're Being Defensive" Backfires
How to Stop Getting Accused of Being Defensive
Emotional Avoidance: The Hidden Crisis in Our Lives
Tips to Maximize Your Conflict Resolution Experience
Conflict resolution conversations rarely succeed by accident. Drawing on principles from mediation, negotiation, emotional intelligence, and empathic communication, John Ford outlines ten practical strategies that can help participants prepare effectively, communicate more clearly, listen more deeply, and increase the likelihood of reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
The Tension Between Empathy and Assertiveness
Drawing on a classic article from the Negotiation Journal, John Ford explores the relationship between empathy and assertiveness in negotiation and conflict resolution. The piece examines empathy as accurate, nonjudgmental understanding, explains the role of perspective-taking, and highlights why feeling understood can dramatically shift relationships, reduce conflict, and improve decision-making.