From Conflict to Conciliation: How to Defuse Difficult Situations

Conflict is inevitable, but educators can work together effectively if they understand how to defuse difficult situations before they escalate. This resource describes the Six-C process, a conflict resolution method that allows educators to progressively take more assertive steps as necessary to resolve disagreements.

Based on research and easy to remember, this approach helps readers handle challenging situations using the least amount of time and energy. Illustrated with many examples and scenarios, the six steps are

Concern: identifying actionable concerns

Confer: expressing concerns in nonthreatening ways

Consult: reviewing and clarifying the situation collaboratively

Confront: considering consequences and giving clear warnings

Combat: taking sustained, logical action

Conciliation: mending the wounds and restoring relationships

Focused on preserving relationships while resolving disagreements, From Conflict to Conciliation can be used in any situation or setting, from the classroom to the community.