Turn Enemies into Allies

Book excerpt: “A unique approach to conflict resolution. . . . you’ll find clear-cut advice on how to handle workplace conflict from a place of positive energy.” —Daniel H. Pink, New York Times–bestselling author of To Sell is Human and Drive In today’s workplace, managers, leaders, and HR professionals often believe they don’t have the time to help employees navigate conflict. More often than not, however, it takes more time not to address conflict than to constructively intervene. But before you can successfully guide others in managing disagreements, you must be able to manage yourself—your mindset, presence, and behaviors. In Turn Enemies into Allies, Judy Ringer offers a way of working with clashing employees that is deliberate and systematic—one that draws on the author’s expertise in conflict and communication skill-building and a decades-long practice in mind-body principles from the martial art aikido. Following Ringer’s step-by-step guide, you will: •Acquire the skill and confidence to coach conflicting employees back to a professional, effective working relationship, while simultaneously changing their lives for the better. •Restore control and peace of mind to the workplace. •Increase your leadership presence. “An essential addition to the conflict resolution toolkit.” —Marshall Goldsmith, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Triggers “Ringer’s blend of conflict resolution approaches with aikido practices enriches and deepens our understanding of human interaction.” —Sheila Heen, New York Times–bestselling co-author of Difficult Conversations “Judy is a master at helping people to transform conflict into powerful relationships..” —Thomas Crum, author of Three Deep Breaths, Journey to Center, and The Magic of Conflict