{"product_id":"from-conflict-to-convergence-isbn-9781394198566","title":"From Conflict to Convergence","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStrategies to achieve meaningful and lasting conflict resolution\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn From \u003ci\u003eConflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems,\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eYou'll also find:\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eStrategies for distinguishing the message from the messenger, so you can appreciate the arguments and intentions of imperfectly-presented positions\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTechniques for responding to emotional and powerful conflicts and disagreements without getting lost in argument\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eWays to find breakthrough solutions to long-term conflicts that have failed to respond to previous attempts at resolution\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003ePerfect 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eForeword xi\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntroduction 1\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePART ONE The Path to Higher Ground\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 1 Why Solve Problems Together? 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 2 How to Reach Convergence 27\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePART TWO Mindsets\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 3 Conflict Can Be Constructive 45\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 4 Everyone Gets the Benefit of the Doubt 55\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 5 Curiosity Is the Cure 67\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 6 Relationships at the Core 77\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 7 Seek Higher Ground 87\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePART THREE Building Blocks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 8 Map the Terrain 101\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 9 Nurture Trust 113\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 10 Really Hear Everyone 125\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 11 Generate Options for Mutual Gain 139\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 12 Take Your Time 151\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePART FOUR Process\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 13 Discovery and Design 159\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 14 Dialogue and Destinations 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCHAPTER 15 Achieving Consensus and Impact 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion: We All Can Be Collaborative Leaders 199\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePocket Guide for Collaborative Problem-Solving 209\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGlossary of Key Terms 213\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNotes 217\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAcknowledgments 233\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout the Authors 237\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 239\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eROBERT FERSH\u003c\/b\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMARIAH LEVISON\u003c\/b\u003e 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.   \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence: Coming Together to Solve Tough Problems,\u003c\/i\u003e 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. This book full of real-life stories and examples provides a collection of proven strategies you can employ immediately to negotiate and navigate your most seemingly intractable conflicts. You’ll learn how finding what the authors call “higher ground” can advance both your interests and those of others even when facing those you think you have little in common with—and how this can set the stage for longer term cooperation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you face public policy, work, community, or kitchen table conflicts, you’ll find 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, and much more. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect for public servants, business and nonprofit leaders, community leaders, academics and students, mediators, negotiators, lawyers and anyone else looking to find common ground with people with differing views and perspectives, \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence \u003c\/i\u003ealso speaks to concerned citizens looking for concrete pathways to lessen troubling divides in their workplaces, their communities, and society at large. \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence \u003c\/i\u003eis a must-read resource for an increasingly combative and conflicted world. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence \u003c\/i\u003eis ultimately about how we treat one another and what kind of society we want to live in. It will help you navigate the increasingly complex challenges posed by modern society and walk you through how to engage with people who think differently, feel differently, and see the world differently than you do.   \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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!”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eWilliam Ury,\u003c\/b\u003e Co-author, \u003ci\u003eGetting to Yes;\u003c\/i\u003e Author, \u003ci\u003ePossible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eLeon E. Panetta,\u003c\/b\u003e former Secretary of Defense \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eWilliam J. Doherty,\u003c\/b\u003e PhD, Professor, University of Minnesota; Co-founder of Braver Angels \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eBecky Pringle,\u003c\/b\u003e President, National Education Association \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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. \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e 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!”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eMarc Racicot,\u003c\/b\u003e former Governor of Montana; former Republican National Committee Chairman \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.”\u003cbr\u003e —\u003cb\u003eEboo Patel,\u003c\/b\u003e Founder and President, Interfaith America; Author of \u003ci\u003eWe Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy\u003c\/i\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eLeon E. Panetta,\u003c\/b\u003e Former Secretary of Defense\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eWilliam Ury,\u003c\/b\u003e Co-author, \u003ci\u003eGetting to Yes; Author, Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in this Age of Conflict\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e 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!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMarc Racicot,\u003c\/b\u003e former Governor of Montana; former Chairman, Republican National Committee\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eWilliam J. Doherty,\u003c\/b\u003e PhD, Professor, University of Minnesota; Cofounder of Braver Angels\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eBecky Pringle,\u003c\/b\u003e President, National Education Association\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"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.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eEboo Patel,\u003c\/b\u003e Founder and President, Interfaith America; Author of \u003ci\u003eWe Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison have offered in \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e a remarkable gift and powerful tool to help people of good faith and deep difference work collaboratively towards breakthrough solutions to thorny problems. Knowing that 'the actual proves the possible,' they offer story-driven insights around the work they have pioneered in facilitating transformative new approaches to a variety of policy challenges, and offer readers both hope and a strategy for becoming collaborative, trust-building problem solvers in their own spheres of influence.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eCherie Harder,\u003c\/b\u003e President, The Trinity Forum\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Often, it can feel like our problems are intractable, made worse when there's a tendency to be more wired for conflict than for collaboration, more inclined toward political bickering than for progress. Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison demonstrate that it doesn't need to be that way. Not only do they explain why overcoming division is vital to solving problems, but they help readers understand why they need the mindset—the will—for constructive engagement as well as the building blocks and process—the skills—to move forward productively. Their hopeful, well-written, and engaging book provides a roadmap for anyone with an appetite for collaborative problem-solving.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eCongressman Derek Kilmer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Conflict is all around us and cripples our urgent efforts to respond to urgent threats to our climate and communities. This book uniquely combines research on collaborative responses to the problems of the commons with practical mindsets, skills, and tools to practice collaborative problem-solving in a wide array of settings. Strongly recommended for instructors committed to using real-world applications of effective collective problem-solving.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eLawrence R. Jacobs,\u003c\/b\u003e Director, Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, University of Minnesota\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"If you have thrown up your hands and decided there's no way to talk to—let alone understand—'the other,' don't give up just yet. There is a path forward and it's in this book. Insightful, easy to read, and packed with memorable stories, \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e shows the authors' advice in action and inspires you to give it a try yourself. The perfect book at the perfect time to show us how to resolve our differences with respect for each other's humanity.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eLinda Lorelle,\u003c\/b\u003e Journalist and Entrepreneur; Host of \u003ci\u003eOur Voices Matter Podcast\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"In this much-needed book, two experienced practitioners, Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison, show that even in times of intense polarization, an approach they call 'collaborative problem-solving' can produce agreement on difficult questions. As I can attest from personal experience, the process requires patience, trust-building among longtime opponents, and the willingness to consider new evidence and unfamiliar arguments. It's more than a feel-good exercise, because it can lead to breakthroughs that improve the lives of millions of Americans.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eBill Galston,\u003c\/b\u003e Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"As a conservative in the policy world, I learned long ago that for true reform to be achieved and sustained, we have to be willing to listen, and try to understand each other's values, goals, and perspectives. Helping strange bedfellows to do that is what Convergence does. In this book, Fersh and Levison share the techniques that produce success.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eStuart M. Butler,\u003c\/b\u003e Senior Fellow, Economic Studies, Brookings Institution; former Director of Domestic Policy, Heritage Foundation\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Most of us can manage to discuss differences of opinion with people we already know well, but the farther removed the 'other' is from our own dinner table, the harder it is to navigate conflicting ideas. Yet if we cannot find ways to bridge our conflicts, our democracy will fail. That's why this book—outlining a step-by-step procedure for finding convergence around solutions to our most serious problems—is absolutely essential.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMickey Edwards,\u003c\/b\u003e Former Congressman; Lecturer at Princeton School of Public and International Affairs\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"I've been involved with Convergence since Day One, and I've also sat as a stakeholder in one of its projects. I'm persuaded that people of widely divergent backgrounds and viewpoints, including political perspectives, can put these ideas to use to solve problems effectively without compromising principles important to them. Now more than ever we need to find ways to constructively and respectfully engage with others to solve problems where differences stand in the way of progress. This is the way.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eKelly D. Johnston,\u003c\/b\u003e Former Food Lobbyist; 28th Secretary of the US Senate\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"As a growing lack of trust in institutions and each other threatens to destabilize societies across the globe, Mariah Levison and Rob Fersh have given all of us who want to build a more equitable and just world a major and timely gift. They make the case that we can almost always achieve more durable and wise solutions to any number of thorny problems by opting out of the zero-sum game of competing interests, and instead turning toward each other. Even better, their book walks us through exactly how to value and work across our differences.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJohn A. Powell,\u003c\/b\u003e Director, Othering and Belonging Institute; Robert D. Haas Chancellor's Chair in Equity and Inclusion, University of California–Berkeley\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"This book is amazing! I found it deeply inspirational and came out of it with a desire to be not only a better problem-solver but also a better person, a better teacher, and a better colleague\/administrator. With an awareness of the growing polarization in all facets of American life, Fersh and Levison offer a simple yet profound toolkit, including exercises to achieve a collaborative mindset and small, incremental practices I can incorporate in my classroom, with my colleagues, and in my personal life to help me value the perspectives of others, practice curiosity, and embrace conflict as an opportunity for growth. Their work speaks forcefully to me in my academic setting, where we affirm the value of diverse perspectives but often become embattled in defending our own.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eAnnie Gray,\u003c\/b\u003e Dean of the School of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington, Indiana\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e is a practical and necessary guide to how we survive in today's fractured world. Its approach to collaborative problem-solving helps both on a personal level and, if adopted by more in our policy arena, would certainly be a way toward solving many of the problems that divide us. This approach—used by the authors through their organization, Convergence—has been behind the scenes in creating solutions and consensus over some very contentious issues.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThrough creative storytelling, the authors walk us through practical steps to find shared solutions that might seem impossible. It should be required reading for all our elected officials! The long-term impact of this book should influence how those making policy can deploy this experience in these days of 'toxic polarization,' where, as the authors say, we 'need to look across the aisle and not see enemies but partners for change.'\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMargery Kraus,\u003c\/b\u003e Founder and Executive Chairman, APCO\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e is a thoughtful guide for anyone seeking to forge lasting solutions to tough problems in a polarized world. Drawing on sound research and their extensive experience, Fersh and Levison offer practical strategies for fostering collaboration among people with different perspectives—a requirement for tackling the greatest challenges in society today.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eBrian Hooks,\u003c\/b\u003e Chairman and CEO, Stand Together\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Five-star stunning! Fersh and Levison have given our world a powerful gift, and just when we all need it the most. Their expertise and wisdom gently guide us, step by step, through the why, what, and how of collaborative problem-solving with a crystal-clear and practical process that we can actually apply to our own lives and work. I will be recommending this ground-breaking book to every single leader I know!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eRoxi Bahar Hewertson,\u003c\/b\u003e CEO, Highland Consulting Group, Inc.; Author of \u003ci\u003eHire Right, Fire Right: A Leader's Guide to Finding and Keeping Your Best People and Lead Like It Matters...Because It Does\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e is skills-based therapy for a country careening toward divorce. Drawing upon decades of personal experience, Levison and Fersh have produced an accessible and practical toolkit for people who want to solve problems, not simply argue about them. Using examples stretching back to the Constitutional Convention through to their own frontline experience with modern debates about Confederate monuments, healthcare reform, and more, Levison and Fersh demonstrate that a healthier, happier, more just America is entirely available to us.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eShamil Idriss,\u003c\/b\u003e CEO, Search for Common Ground\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Conflict is hard and messy. Our avoidance makes it even more pernicious and intractable. With practical tools and a wealth of experience, Robert Fersh and Mariah Levison are offering us a way out. \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e is a guidebook every leader needs to have in their back pocket to move from contentious disagreement to collaborative problem-solving. Moreover, it inspires hope for a nation as diverse as ours. Long-lasting solutions to our country's toughest challenges come from working with and learning from people who have different identities, values, and beliefs than we do.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eJennifer Hoos Rothberg,\u003c\/b\u003e Executive Director, Einhorn Collaborative\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Rob Fersh and Mariah Levinson show how people who are at odds over difficult public policy issues can come together in good faith, understand each other, explore the issues, negotiate well, and find higher common ground. This book is based on their direct experience working with dozens of challenging negotiations and hundreds of leaders. As a facilitator who has worked closely with them and with the stakeholders, I found many powerful insights in this book that will help me do my own work better.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDavid Fairman,\u003c\/b\u003e Senior Mediator, Consensus Building Institute\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison draw upon their experience grappling with challenging political issues to provide a book that is an excellent blend of theory and praxis. Using \u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e in my political science classrooms will provide students with real-world examples to discuss as they encounter the collaborative approach Fersh and Levison propose to resolve conflict. These stories will no doubt widen the lens of my students' budding policy imaginations while also equipping them with tools to better engage in problem-solving with others who might not share their point of view.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eLia Howard,\u003c\/b\u003e Student Advising and Wellness Director, SNF Paideia Program, University of Pennsylvania\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e offers a specific road map to both a better world and an improved life. Fersh and Levison do something so many people in this field do not. They take you step by step through both the inner and outer journey needed to navigate almost any conflict. Follow their teachings and you will find yourself in a better place, because how we manage conflict is ultimately how we manage our humanity. They will not let you down.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDavid Baum,\u003c\/b\u003e PhD, DMin, Author of \u003ci\u003eLightning in a Bottle, The Randori Principles,\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Routledge Handbook of Collective Intelligence for Democracy and Governance\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"A practical and accessible playbook. Fersh and Levison provide strategies to overcome our differences so we can work together to solve our collective challenges.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eCaroline Mehl,\u003c\/b\u003e Cofounder and Executive Director, Constructive Dialogue Institute\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Fersh and Levinson have produced an important, instructive, and enjoyable guide for collaborative problem-solving. Their book arrives at a time when colleges are searching for new ways to equip their students and faculty to better serve society and address our most pressing problems. They carefully illustrate that dialogue—not just debate—is an essential element of learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving to develop lasting solutions to thorny problems.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eMatt Owens,\u003c\/b\u003e President, Council on Governmental Relations; participant in the Convergence project Building a Better Budget Process\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Among the most impactful issues of our time, there often are key stakeholders with widely divergent perspectives and interests. They sometimes seem irreconcilable. But the wonderful book written by Rob Fersh and Mariah Levison demonstrates that, with disciplined work and developing trust, convergence to common ground is often possible. We all can benefit from the lessons they offer!\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eRon Pollack,\u003c\/b\u003e Founding Executive Director, Families USA; Founding CEO, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"This book thoughtfully distills the hard-won wisdom that Rob Fersh, Mariah Levison, and the team at Convergence Center for Policy Resolution have developed through their stellar work in bridging divides on thorny policy questions for more than a decade now. They have found that the way out of our current distempers is to work our way through them—not by giving up on our core convictions, but by understanding and finding fresh ways to align what we believe with the convictions of others in order to realize goals we hold in common.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eDaniel Stid,\u003c\/b\u003e Executive Director, Lyceum Labs\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Mariah Levison and Rob Fersh set out to write a book 'to help readers choose what kind of leader [they] want to be...what kinds of leaders you want to associate with, and...what kind of leaders you want to entrust with your vote' and they have succeeded! The book is hopeful and optimistic, but not naïve. Levison and Fersh use stories of successes in a range of setting to illustrate their points and ground them in conflict theory, brain science, and psychology—all in a very accessible way. They remind us that the polarization we feel does not have to be the status quo—each of us as the ability to adopt a mindset of open curiosity and we have the power to make positive changes. Levison and Fersh have given us the tools to do so.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eSharon Press,\u003c\/b\u003e Director, Dispute Resolution Institute Professor of Law, Mitchell Hamline School of Law\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"The Convergence model of engagement with difficult issues and its success at the highest levels of government and business have not only guided students to improvements in their writing. The model has inspired freer and less anxious classroom discussions, and students report taking Convergence home to their interactions with friends and family.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eLynn Schoch,\u003c\/b\u003e Instructor, Ivy Tech Community College, Bloomington, Indiana\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eFrom Conflict to Convergence\u003c\/i\u003e offers a timely 'how to' guide for those committed to bridging divides through empathy, trust building and collaborative problem solving. Fersh and Levison have brought a lifetime of experience and proven strategies for tackling the seemingly most intractable issues of our time. More than simply a legacy of wisdom, their opus provides something even more valuable; renewed faith in our abilities to rebuild connections in pursuit of our shared humanity.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eBruce A. Edwards,\u003c\/b\u003e Mediator and Co Founder of Edwards Mediation Academy\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"So much of the division in our world today is fueled by fear—fear of difference, of being wrong, of losing what we hold dear. From Conflict to Convergence meets this fear with a powerful and hopeful path toward understanding and healing. Authors Robert Fersh and Mariah Levison invite us to see conflict not as something to avoid, but as a doorway to connection and mutual gain. Their approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and the sincere intention to understand one another—qualities essential for building the trust that makes real collaboration possible. This book is rich with wisdom and practical guidance for anyone longing to bridge divides and foster lasting change.\"\u003cbr\u003e—\u003cb\u003eTara Brach\u003c\/b\u003e, author of \u003ci\u003eRadical Acceptance and Trusting the Gold\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wiley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47989247115493,"sku":"NP9781394198566","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781394198566.jpg?v=1761783365","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/from-conflict-to-convergence-isbn-9781394198566","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}