Book Review: Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution by Dana Caspersen

Changing the Conversation: The 17 Principles of Conflict Resolution
Author: Dana Caspersen
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Non-Fiction
Released: January 27, 2015
Review Source: Penguin

The seventeen key principles for transforming conflict—in a beautiful package from the creator of The 48 Laws of Power.

From Joost Elffers, the packaging genius behind the huge New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The 33 Strategies of War, and The Art of Seduction, comes this invaluable manual that teaches seventeen fundamentals for turning any conflict into an opportunity for growth. Beautifully packaged in a graphic, two-color format, Changing the Conversation is written by conflict expert Dana Caspersen and is filled with real-life examples, spot-on advice, and easy-to-grasp exercises that demonstrate transformative ways to break out of destructive patterns, to create useful dialogue in difficult situations, and to find long-lasting solutions for conflicts. Sure to claim its place next to Getting to Yes, this guide will be a go-to resource for resolving conflicts.

Of all the books for me to read right now...I really needed this one!! Having issues in the workplace is the worst, especially if the issue is with someone who works across the hall. This is normally not a book I would read, I'm not into non-fiction very much, but I can admit that I struggle with conflict resolution. I instantly go on the defense and don't actually listen to the other person.

I liked how this book was set up and the black, red, and white colors throughout went very well together. I also liked hearing from people first hand how they have used the principles in their everyday lives. I saw myself in several of the stories that were shared. Overall, I thought the book had good ideas on how to change the conversations you're in to make them workable and not threatening.

The only thing I thought was lacking was the information. Sometimes there were pages with just a few words on it. I felt like they were kind of wasting paper and valuable space that could've given me more information. The book could've used the pages more wisely and honestly, it could've been a lot shorter if they had combined some things. I think I was more thrown off by the layout of the pages to actually get some valuable information. I didn't really learn anything that I didn't already know.