Conflict Is an Opportunity: Twenty Fundamental Decisions for Navigating Difficult Times

by Dana Caspersen

Overview

Bestselling author and conflict specialist Dana Caspersen sheds light on the twenty fundamental decisions everyone makes when tackling any conflict, providing a powerful practice for tackling these decisions mindfully.
Designed by Joost Elffers Books, the cutting-edge production studio behind the huge New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The 33 Strategies of War, and The Art of Seduction, this elegant full-color book guides readers to strengthen their capacity to understand the landscape of conflict and take skillful action to move toward constructive change.
With no jargon and no fluff, the book is structured into three sections that explore the internal, interpersonal, and systemic aspects of conflict. Through immersive analysis and impactful hands-on exercises, readers enhance awareness of how their decisions shape their internal experience, interactions, and the broader systems they inhabit. Unlike other approaches, Conflict Is an Opportunity doesn't advocate for learning new communication techniques or adopting predetermined formulas for action. Instead, it equips readers with the tools to recognize their habits and actions, decipher conflict dynamics, and consciously shape their approach to foster constructive growth and change.
More than just “tips and tricks,” the book offers powerful, transformative tools for thoughtfully navigating complex situations in everyday and professional lives.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798881802691
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/04/2025
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Dana Caspersen is a conflict engagement specialist, public speaker, award-winning performing artist, and bestselling author of Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution which has been translated into eight languages and is used as a training tool by individuals, organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. Through coaching, training, consulting, and dialogue design, Dana works with people and organizations on constructive conflict engagement and is a leading collaborator of the internationally acclaimed choreographer William Forsythe. She lives in Vermont. danacaspersen.com/

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. What Am I Doing?
What am I paying attention to?
Which decisions are mine to make?
What is my request?
Am I responding or reacting?
Am I listening, even when I disagree?
Which mindset am I practicing?
2. What Are We Doing?
What is this conflict about?
Who is involved? Who is impacted?
What will help me bring up difficult topics productively?
What is the question that we are trying to answer?
Are punishment and reward being used as control strategies?
Are we looking for productive ways forward, even when it's difficult?
What is already working well? How can we build on that?
3. What Are the Systems Doing?
Which rules of behavior are being (consciously or unconsciously) followed?
Which organizational and decision-making processes are being (consciously or habitually) used?
Is the origin of this conflict interpersonal or structural or both?
On which level is action being taken?
Is belonging being used to create polarization?
Is (subtle or overt) violence causing avoidable harm in this situation?
Which sources of power are available in this conflict?
Which are being used and endorsed?
What constructive change is this conflict proposing?
Resources
Power Sources
Notes
References
The Decisions
Index

Editorial Reviews

This is an important perspective that focuses on twenty ways of making decisions, with concrete methods to change both our thinking and our doing—our theories and our practices. The way that Caspersen defines power and how to analyze it is extremely timely in a world where we need the collaborative skills to navigate an increasingly interdependent global community. Beautifully written and a wealth of information.” —Susan Sgorbati, director of The Center for the Advancement of Public Action, founder of The Conflict Resolution Program, Bennington College

“Dana's mastery at making conflict resolution accessible to the masses is evident in this practical guide. Start at the beginning or open it to any page to gain insight and direction through interpersonal conflict journeys. This is an incredible resource.” —Paula Drouin, founder and president, ADR International Group Inc. and ADR Learning Institute

“Quite the accomplishment—imaginative, practical, concise, and yet comprehensive. This tremendously useful and creative book provides a practical but also deep journey for how to approach conflict of all types. Dana Caspersen invites us to examine and challenge our own way of thinking about conflict, responding to it, using it, and even experiencing it. Conflict Is an Opportunity is useful as a teaching tool but also as a guide to self-reflection and constructive action.” —Bernie Mayer, author of Staying with Conflict and The Dynamics of Conflict

“Conflict Is an Opportunity offers fresh, thoughtful insights and practical strategies for transforming disagreements into opportunities for growth and connection. An invaluable workbook and reference tool for leaders, educators, mediators, and anyone seeking to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and clarity.” —Adam Gersch, founder and CEO, Global Mediation

From the Publisher

Dana's mastery at making conflict resolution accessible to the masses is evident in this practical guide. Start at the beginning or open it to any page to gain insight and direction through interpersonal conflict journeys. This is an incredible resource.

Paula Drouin

Quite the accomplishment—imaginative, practical, concise, and yet comprehensive. This tremendously useful and creative book provides a practical but also deep journey for how to approach conflict of all types. Dana Caspersen invites us to examine and challenge our own way of thinking about conflict, responding to it, using it, and even experiencing it. Conflict Is an Opportunity is useful as a teaching tool but also as a guide to self-reflection and constructive action.

Bernie Mayer

This is an important perspective that focuses on twenty ways of making decisions, with concrete methods to change both our thinking and our doing—our theories and our practices. The way that Caspersen defines power and how to analyze it is extremely timely in a world where we need the collaborative skills to navigate an increasingly interdependent global community. Beautifully written and a wealth of information.

Susan Sgorbati

Conflict Is an Opportunity offers fresh, thoughtful insights and practical strategies for transforming disagreements into opportunities for growth and connection. An invaluable workbook and reference tool for leaders, educators, mediators, and anyone seeking to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and clarity.

Adam Gersch

Highly recommended! Dana Caspersen’s approach to conflict resolution has reshaped how I navigate difficult encounters. Rather than just surviving tense situations, I’ve learned to view conflict as an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the other person and deepen our relationship. This shift has been invaluable in managing my team and working with clients. I’m not embracing conflict with open arms just yet, but this book is showing me the way.

Ann A. Helmus