Strategies to achieve meaningful and lasting conflict resolution 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. "Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison have provided a critical and practical guide on how to renew our democracy. Our forefathers designed a system of governing that is dependent on leadership, collaboration, and consensus. Unfortunately, because of deep political polarization, our nation has lost the ability to solve problems effectively. This book is an essential antidote to gridlock and dysfunction. It is intended to inspire people in the various sectors of our society to get back to the job of building trust, relationships, and consensus in order to save our democracy. Like the authors, I have experienced Washington at its best. We know what works. The lessons are in this book." ― Leon E. Panetta, Former Secretary of Defense "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, Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison present a series of 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 this Age of Conflict "Democracy requires hard work, moderation, compromise, self-discipline, and, most importantly, a shared respect for the thoughts and lives of all of us. What happens to our republic if we cannot genuinely talk to or listen to each other, if we do not respect each other, if we will not fairly consider the thoughts of each other, if we cannot reason with each other, and, ultimately, if we do not trust each other? The inescapable answer is that we will not long live in freedom and into the abyss will stride the ghost of tyranny. From Conflict to Convergence sheds light on another path to the future: one that recalls the values and virtues of our democracy as it guides us through collaborative problem-solving on contentious policy issues to the creation of solutions of mutual gain 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 Chairman, Republican National Committee "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; Cofounder 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 "Helping others cooperate across their difference