Count to ten!  Take a deep breath!  But what next? These time-tested techniques are often not enough when conflict threatens to jeopardize a project, although Nance Guilmartin does use this advice as a first step.

Guilmartin suggests that we get “curious, not furious,” leading to a culture of learning, resolution and improvement instead of the negative withdrawal, polarization and paralysis we often experience at work when people become angry.

Asking “what don’t I know that I don’t know?” is Guilmartin’s next step to unity and progress replacing the overt or covert negative behavior that can manifest when people and situations are not fully understood.

It is possible to dip into the book for tips and ideas, although reading from start to finish will be the most useful.  Case studies are outlined in text boxes making them easy to ignore or easy to find depending on your preferences.  The concepts are further explained with the analogy of a vehicle braking and acceleration system.  This book is heavy on narrative and light on graphics.  The concepts are easy to understand and can be put into practice immediately.

You can initiate more effective communication today: pause when negative thoughts and feelings arise, replace furious feelings with curious thoughts, find out what is really going on in this situation and finally take note of Guilmartin’s Twelve Ways to Be Your Best and to Succeed in a Demanding 24/7 World!

The message in this book will be useful to you, whatever your role in working with others.

About the Author

Screen Name

Pat Bird, MHSA, MA (Conflict Transformation)

About Me

After a life time of teaching, administering, managing and supervising in public, private, for-profit and non-profit organizations, I have retired! My interest in what makes people tick and what makes some more successful than others remains. Reviewing such books is a pleasure that feeds my brain and soul. Watch out - the next review might be about the book for you!!