Softcover

ISBN 10: 0143126865 ISBN 13: 9780143126867

Publisher: Penguin Books, 2015

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.

About the Author:

DANA CASPERSEN is an expert on conflict studies and mediation who has developed conflict workshops and public dialogue projects internationally. She is also an award-winning performing artist and lives in Germany and Vermont.

JOOST ELFFERS is the packager of The 48 Laws of Power as well as Optical Illusions, Play With Your Food, and Viking Studio’s Secret Language series. He lives in New York City.

Review:

Praise for Changing the Conversation

“If your strategy for winning an argument is to yell louder than the other guy, Dana Caspersen's Changing the Conversation is an innovative look at conflict resolution that will be an eye-opener. Take a deep breath and learn to listen carefully, resist the urge to attack and find ways to move forward.”
—BookPage

“Caspersen gives you the chance to understand what’s behind life’s everyday conflicts and how best, in turn, to consider handling them. [This] intriguing book covers a lot of ground. The basic themes of communication, respect, curiosity, and willingness to consider alternative points of view can get you through many of life’s toughest moments with the people who matter most to you.”
—Psychology Today

“As Caspersen deftly distilled the essence of myriad strategies to resolve interpersonal conflict, Elffers similarly crafted an experiential product. Ultimately, they collectively created a valuable contribution to conflict resolution practices in the popular literature.”
—ACResolution Magazine

“Conflict mediator Dana Caspersen has identified 17 principles of conflict resolution that we'd do well to adopt.”
—The Hamilton Spectator
 
“[E]asy to page through or read . . . this book was a great reminder about the importance of resolving conflict and not getting stuck. Caspersen's narrative is simple, but more valuable . . . [because] it's usable. I love this book!”
—Megan Scribbles blog

“Each principle breaks conflict down into a series of decisions. You don’t have to change your personality or emotional deftness. You can just follow these steps.”
—Toronto Globe and Mail
 
“This book is good for beginners and those experienced in the practice . . . [it’s] a marvelous thing. It has examples of common conflicts and language used in families, talking with teens, in work situations, in political discussions. On the facing page it gives examples of a more constructive approach . . . We all need this book.”
—The Bowed Bookshelf

“Visually stunning . . . Dana Caspersen has unearthed the roots of conflict and exposed them to the light of truth. Empowering.”
—Heather’s Book Corner
 
“Readers can quickly read through this book and discover new and better ways of handling conflicts and then keep it nearby as a reference in the future.  This book is recommended for parents, employers and employees and those in relationships. It is a book that can help anyone if the principles stated are taken seriously and acted upon.”
—Booksie’s Blog
 
“Filled with everyday examples and opportunities for practice, it’s the perfect book for those hoping to make lasting and meaningful changes to their relationships.”
—Dad of Divas Reviews

Praise for The 48 Laws of Power

“It’s the rules for suits . . . Machiavelli has a new rival. And Sun Tzu had better watch his back. . . Just reading the table of contents is enough to stir a little corner-office lust.”
—New York magazine
 
“Beguiling . . . literate . . . fascinating. A wry primer for people who desperately want to be on top.”
—People magazine
 
“An heir to Machiavelli’s Prince . . . gentler souls will find this book frightening, those whose moral compass is oriented solely to power will have a perfect vade mecum.”
—Publishers Weekly
 
“Satisfyingly dense and . . . literary, with fantastic examples of genius power-game players. It’s The Rules meets In Pursuit of Wow! with a degree in comparative literature.”
—Rebecca Mead, Allure