The Science and Artistry of Resolving Conflict

“This is a very personal view of how conflict affects us and the skills and processes that mediators and negotiators use to make resolution easier. Conflict is usually the result of people saying or doing things that others see as threatening. It can be what they have said or what they have done. Whichever it is, someone wants it to stop. Which means one or more changing their behaviour. If their interests lie in a long-term relationship, then a skilled Mediator can create a safe forum to agree how. If not, negotiating how to go in separate directions requires a calm discussion, which is easier with a neutral Facilitator trained to lead it” Jeremy Scuse “The book begins with psychology, a subject in which Jeremy took his degree, taking one into the science of human conflict and into the theory of mediation and facilitation. It is important to know how and why people react in different circumstances. One is then taken through the theory and processes involved in helping people resolve disputes. The book is easy to read and full of examples, tips and, methods and planning of questioning or guiding disputants to a resolution. The “how to” is covered in detail and easy to follow steps. The book deals with facilitation and mediation separately. There is a subtle distinction between mediation (where parties in dispute wish to continue their relationship) and facilitation (where those in dispute are parting company). Mental health issues which may arise are covered. There is a very useful chapter on using mediation to resolve differences about free speech, a topic that has become fraught with difficulty and passion in today’s world. It is rare in judicial proceedings for all parties to be satisfied with a decision. In mediation and facilitation, the aim is to help those in dispute to reach a result themselves with which they can all be content and either walk away from or continue their relationship in an atmosphere of understanding. I commend this book to all interested in mediation and facilitation. Sheriff Nigel Morrison KC March 2025”