Let me start my first blog with a disclaimer to anyone who reads this--all one of you. As I set out to write my thoughts about the nature of conflict and provide strategies for resolving it, I will sometimes ask questions, point out contradictions, or describe ways to approach conflict more effectively. I'll strive to have my facts checked, my links unbroken, and my verbiage clear. If I mess up, please let me now. I appreciate the help.
I’ll draw from my experiences as a mediator trying to help parties reach common ground and agreements that improve relationships; as an organizational consultant helping groups navigate change; and as a facilitator guiding groups forward with renewed purpose. I also teach classes on conflict, so some of my examples will come from ideas provoked by student comments and questions. The greatest provocateurs in my life, my wife and my children, also provide my greatest insights, inspiration and practice for transforming conflict into lives that matter—one conversation at a time.
I hope the ideas and questions logged on this blog will help inspire you to think and approach conflict more productively. I look forward to sharing my thoughts, reading your comments and learning together why and how conflict matters.
Congratulations, Doug! Welcome to the joy of BLOGGing. It warms my heart to see that we made a difference for someone in the audience. Fran
Posted by: Fran Fisher | September 21, 2006 at 07:35 AM