From Conflict to Convergence - by Robert Fersh & Mariah Levison (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In From Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems, two expert collaborative problem solvers deliver an incisive, hands-on guide to de-escalating conflict and constructively engaging with those you disagree with to find better solutions to problems. In this book full of real-life stories and examples, you'll find a collection of tried and tested strategies you can employ immediately as you negotiate and navigate your most seemingly intractable conflicts. You'll learn how finding what the authors call "higher ground" can advance your interests even when facing people and groups you think you have little in common with and how this can set the stage for longer term cooperation.

The authors explain how to improve your ability to understand how other people think, feel, and perceive the world around you, and how to use that knowledge to develop mutually beneficial solutions that help advance your interests and the interests of the people you're dealing with.

You'll also find:

• Strategies for distinguishing the message from the messenger, so you can appreciate the arguments and intentions of imperfectly-presented positions
• Techniques for responding to emotional and powerful conflicts and disagreements without getting lost in argument
• Ways to find breakthrough solutions to long-term conflicts that have failed to respond to previous attempts at resolution

Perfect for business and organizational leaders, board members, community and religious leaders, public servants, mediators, and anyone else looking to find common ground with people with differing views and perspectives, From Conflict to Convergence also speaks to concerned citizens looking for concrete pathways to lessen troubling divides in their workplaces, their communities, and society at large. From Conflict to Convergence is a must-read resource for an increasingly combative and conflicted world.

From the Back Cover

"Nothing could be more needed in these conflicted times than the practice of collaborative problem-solving. In this eminently practical guide, based on decades of successful experience organizing dialogues on charged public issues, Fersh and Levison present valuable lessons illustrated with powerful and inspiring stories. Highly recommended!"
--William Ury, Co-author, Getting to Yes; Author, Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict

"Fersh and Levison provide a critical and practical guide on how to renew our democracy. This book is an essential antidote to gridlock and dysfunction. It is intended to inspire people to get back to the job of building trust, relationships, and consensus to save our democracy. We know what works. The lessons are in this book."
--Leon E. Panetta, former Secretary of Defense

"Brimming with expertise, realistic hope, and practical strategies for engaging in the collaborative problem-solving we sorely need today. The breadth of the authors' experiences with different groups and issues is astonishing. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro at group problem-solving, there is something important for you in this beautifully written book."
--William J. Doherty, PhD, Professor, University of Minnesota; Co-founder of Braver Angels

"The authors offer tested and proven strategies for necessary but difficult work. They understand that attending to relationships and developing trust are the core of collaborative problem-solving. This is, ultimately, a book about leadership."
--Becky Pringle, President, National Education Association

"What happens to our republic if we cannot genuinely listen to each other, if we do not trust each other? The inescapable answer is that we will not long live in freedom. From Conflict to Convergence recalls the values and virtues of our democracy, guiding us through collaborative problem-solving on contentious policy issues to the creation of mutual gain solutions serving the larger public good. In these troubling times of tumult and turmoil, nothing could be better than that!"
--Marc Racicot, former Governor of Montana; former Republican National Committee Chairman

"Helping others cooperate across their differences is essential to the strength of our diverse democracy, and this book will teach you how to be the kind of leader who can do just that. Written by two stars in the field, with clear frameworks and compelling stories, it is an essential text for our polarized times."
--Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith America; Author of We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy

About the Author

ROBERT FERSH is the Founder and Senior Advisor of Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, which he started in 2009 to promote consensus solutions to issues of domestic importance. Convergence has successfully addressed a wide array of national and state level concerns including health care, K-12 education, incarceration, economic mobility, nutrition and wellness, and more. Previously, Rob served on the staffs of three Congressional committees, directed a national anti-hunger organization, and served as the U.S. country director for Search for Common Ground, an international conflict transformation organization.

MARIAH LEVISON serves as the President and CEO at Convergence. Mariah uses a deep understanding of human relations to build trust and relationships across differences which lead to consensus-based solutions to complex and contentious issues. Prior to joining Convergence, Mariah led the Minnesota State Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution and has worked for several nonprofit dispute resolution centers. Additionally, Mariah has been teaching collaborative problem-solving for twenty years in settings ranging from community trainings to law schools to trainings for foreign governments.