Bridging troubled waters : conflict resolution from the heart / Michelle LeBaron.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

LeBaron, Michelle, 1956-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Conflict management.

Interpersonal conflict.

Physical Description:

xviii, 329 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

San Francisco, Calif. : Jossey-Bass, [2002]

Summary:

Bridging Troubled Waters marks a new wave in conflict resolution practice, centered in relationship and creativity. Developed by Michelle LeBaron from over two decades of teaching and practicing in organizations and institutions around the world, her approach infuses the science of conflict resolution practice with art and the techniques with humanity.

Bridging Troubled Waters is about a robust and holistic approach to resolving conflict. It begins where much of the currently accepted theory and practice in the field leaves off. Like a hand pulling back the curtain from parts of us that have been closeted away, this book reveals ways we can use more of ourselves in addressing conflict. Moving beyond the analytic and the intellectual, it situates our efforts at bridging conflict in the very places where conflict is born -- relationships. From relationships come connection, meaning, and identity. It is through awareness of connection, shared meaning, and respect for identity that conflicts are transformed.

LeBaron reveals how mediators and facilitators can bridge conflict by tapping into their physical selves (from which change is enacted); their feeling selves (sources of empathy and genuineness); their dreaming selves (from which arise imagination and vision); and their spirit selves (from which meaning is made and deep connections are forged). This creative approach transforms conflict intervention into a way of drawing on human capacities to entertain ambiguity, cultivate openness to innovation, and engage creatively. Bridging Troubled Waters unlocks a treasure trove of new tools to enhance the repertoires of conflict resolvers, including stories, metaphors, and rituals. Michelle LeBaron shows us that by embracing the art and science of conflict resolution, mediators and facilitators can become more intuitive, sensitive, and ultimately more courageous.

Contents:

Part 1 Creative Ways to Bridge Conflict 1

1 From the Heart: A Creative, Relational Approach to Conflict 3

Part 2 Creative Ways of Knowing as Resources for Bridging Conflict 43

2 Emotional Ways of Knowing: Negotiating the Labyrinth 45

3 Somatic Ways of Knowing: Enacting Change 80

4 Imaginative and Intuitive Ways of Knowing: Seeing with Both Eyes 100

5 Connected Ways of Knowing: Energizing Change, Emphasizing Relationship 137

Part 3 Tools for Bridging Meanings and Identities 181

6 Symbolic Tools: Metaphors as Windows into Other Worlds 183

7 Narrative Tools: Stories as Paths to Transformation 218

8 Commemorating Tools: Using Ritual 250

Part 4 Third-Party Roles and Practices 283

9 Revisiting the Mountains: Third-Party Creativity 285

Practice Tips: Integrating Multiple Ways of Knowing 305.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0787948217

OCLC:

50055560