Book Club

The Conflict Survival Kit: Tools for Resolving Conflict at Work
Cliff Goodwin and Daniel B. Griffith
Prentice Hall, 2006
ISBN: 0131183036

The Conflict Survival Kit: Tools for Resolving Conflict at Work holds true to its title in every way. The book is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to make his or her work environment conflict free and enjoyable. This resource not only explains different causes for conflict that arises in the workplace, but also provides practical solutions to resolve the conflicting situation. It gives the reader a new perspective on conflict with the realization that “the existence of conflict can serve as a positive indicator, signalling opportunities for change and growth”.

Another very significant aspect of the book is how it makes the reader realize that “when parties lock into positions, they do not consider each other’s underlying concerns, needs, or wants, which generally forecloses any examination of how their positions might be reconciled”. The writers have described 11 Role Profiles in this book which belong to different occupational groups. There are also case studies at the end of each chapter related to these roles. There are so many instances when I could relate to several of the roles and the behaviours in specific situations. The conflict is analyzed through the eyes of these individuals giving the reader a better understanding of the conflict, its root cause and how to resolve it. The book emphasizes on collaboration, communication, mediation and negotiation to bring about effective conflict resolution.

Discussion and case questions are included in each chapter. Furthermore, there are also checklists that can be added to our own Conflict Survival Toolkit. The suggested strategies are practical and can be applied immediately to a real workplace situation. The step-by-step process of resolution frameworks and models are very comprehensive and easy to apply. Each chapter ends with multiple choice questions for the reader to evaluate his/her understanding of the topic.

A must read for managers regardless of the number of staff they supervise. The last chapter specifically deals with decision making choices and explores different ways in which one can be a more effective manager.

Ana Mazhar has completed her Bachelors in Sociology and Masters in English Literature. She has worked with the Unemployed Help Centre in Durham as a Job Developer/ Employment Specialist. She has extensive experience in approaching potential employers and preparing her clients for job interviews. She has also conducted a workshop for newcomers to Canada to assist them in becoming familiar with the Canadian work environment. Presently, she is working as Project Coordinator for Durham’s Child Nutrition Project.