Summary

This second edition expands on evolving "conflict management" into "relationship management." Conflict in the business arena often leads to increased stress and loss of productivity. Richard J. Mayer provides a realistic approach to managing conflict, showing managers how to set the example and how to coach subordinates to express their differences with others at the earliest possible stage. The insight and approaches offered are simple, but not always easy. Mayer provided an outline, illustrated through examples of how to identify conflicts at an early state, and he offers the courage and skills necessary to confront these conflicts. Part I explores the nature of the conflict, including the important role communication problems play in creating conflict. Part II provides a practical approach to preventing differences with others from becoming destructive conflicts. Part III discusses personal confrontation, including how we understand our own reality observing or witnessing ourselves, and common sources of personal conflict.