Are you looking for the best conflict management books?
Whether your employees are in disagreement over the best way to complete tasks or there is tension between different teams, you should have a set of strategies in place to manage the situation. As a leader, you might not want such disputes to escalate and become unmanageable.
In this article, let’s see the 17 best books on conflict management. Reading these books can help you understand the dynamics of conflict and the ways to resolve it.
The 17 Best Conflict Management Books for Leaders
Here are the best books that will help you manage conflicts and become a more effective leader. These books are available on Amazon. If you want to get them, their respective links are given below each description. Alright?
So, let’s go!
(Note: I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links at no extra cost to you.)
#1. The Conflict Resolution Toolbox: Models and Maps for Analyzing, Diagnosing, and Resolving Disputes
By: Gary T. Furlong
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants to resolve disputes effectively
This book discusses how to break down the elements of a dispute so you can address its root causes and come up with better solutions. It provides various tools that help you identify the underlying sources of tension between two sides of a dispute. With this book, you will gain a better understanding of the dynamics of conflicts and be better equipped to manage them.
#2. Difficult Conversations: How To Discuss What Matters Most
By: Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
Who’s it for: Leaders who want to have difficult conversations in a productive way
This book helps you navigate conversations that are too often avoided. It teaches you how to have respectful dialogues about tricky topics such as disagreements, performance issues, and personal requests. With the strategies outlined in this book, you will be able to tackle any kind of conversation with more confidence.
#3. Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict: What to Say Next to De-stress the Workday, Build Collaboration, and Calm Difficult Customers
By: Karin Hurt and David Dye
Who’s it for: Anyone looking to create a more collaborative and less stressful work environment
This book offers practical communication strategies to reduce stress, enhance collaboration, and resolve conflicts in the workplace. Here the authors talk about specific phrases and techniques for handling challenging interactions with others. Through real-world examples and actionable advice, this book can help you foster a more productive work environment.
#4. 10 Powerful Strategies For Conflict De-Escalation: How To Achieve Conflict Resolution Through Effective Communication
By: Simon C Osamoh
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers looking to enhance their conflict resolution skills
In this book, the author talks about a scenario in which how he handled an employee who had been terminated but refused to leave the building! He highlights 10 powerful strategies for conflict de-escalation that you can use in any situation. If you’re looking to learn how to effectively deal with workplace and personal conflicts, this book is a must-read.
#5. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High
By: Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, and Emily Gregory
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers of all levels
This book offers powerful insights into crucial conversations, giving leaders a framework for how to talk when stakes are high. It provides advice on how to break through barriers of misunderstanding and build meaningful conversations. This book is an invaluable resource that can help anyone learn the skills needed to navigate tricky situations with grace and tact.
#6. The Power of Positive Confrontation: The Skills You Need To Handle Conflict at Work, Home, and in Life
By: Barbara Pachter
Who’s it for: Those who want to handle conflict in any situation
This book provides practical guidance on how to confront difficult situations positively. Here the author offers advice on how to deal with difficult people, defuse tense situations, and confront opposing views without creating more problems. With different tools and strategies for managing disagreements in any setting, this book can help you enhance your conflict management skills.
#7. Conflict Resolution: Mediation Tools for Everyday Worklife (Briefcase Books Series)
By: Daniel Dana
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers of any organizations
This book provides practical advice on how to use mediation as a tool for resolving disputes in the workplace. It shares insight into how to mediate disputes, handle difficult conversations, and resolve conflicts fairly and effectively. Whether you are looking for tips on how to negotiate a resolution or ways to empower both parties in a dispute, this book has it all.
#8. Conflict Management: A Practical Guide to Developing Negotiation Strategies
By: Barbara Budjac Corvette Ph.D.
Who’s it for: Those who want to learn practical negotiation strategies
In this book, the author comes with a personalized approach to handling disagreements. They share some practical ideas on how to negotiate, recognize and handle different forms of disputes, and develop your own unique approach to resolution. This is one of the best conflict management books that will help you become a master negotiator.
#9. The Complete Guide to Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
By: Marick F. Masters and Robert R. Albright
Who’s it for: Those looking for comprehensive advice on managing workplace conflicts
As its name implies, this is a comprehensive resource for managing conflicts in the workplace. It provides advice on how to identify and resolve disputes, develop mediation skills, and maintain positive work relationships. With this book, you can create a harmonious work environment by fostering communication between colleagues and teams.
#10. Solve Employee Problems Before They Start: Resolving Conflict in the Real World
By: Scott Warrick
Who’s it for: Leaders of all levels
This book offers practical strategies for resolving conflicts in the workplace before they escalate. It provides guidance on how to practice active listening, recognize warning signs of potential problems, and coach employees through issues before it’s too late. With these strategies, you can easily identify the underlying causes of disputes and create an environment of trust and respect.
#11. Resolving Conflicts at Work: Ten Strategies for Everyone on the Job
By: Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith
Who’s it for: Business leaders of all levels
In this book, Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith offer insight into the psychology of conflict resolution. They provide strategies for overcoming difficult conversations and potential problems in the workplace. With their guidance, you can develop a comprehensive plan that identifies issues, addresses them quickly, and encourages employees to work together harmoniously.
#12. Inclusive Leadership, Global Impact
By: Ernest Gundling and Cheryl Williams
Who’s it for: Leaders who wish to foster an inclusive workplace
In this book, Ernest Gundling and Cheryl Williams provide guidance on how to become an inclusive leader in today’s global marketplace. They offer strategies for identifying potential conflicts, understanding differences between people from different backgrounds, and building trust among team members. With their insight, you can create a workplace that is welcoming and respectful to everyone.
#13. The Art of Conflict Management: Achieving Solutions for Life, Work, and Beyond
By: Michael Dues and The Great Courses
Who’s it for: Anyone looking to grow their conflict management skills
This is a comprehensive guide to becoming an effective leader. It provides an in-depth look at the sources of workplace conflicts, strategies for resolving disputes between coworkers or clients, and methods for preventing future issues. With this book, you can effectively manage difficult conversations and create a harmonious work environment.
#14. Toxic Workplace!: Managing Toxic Personalities and Their Systems of Power
By: Mitchell Kusy
Who’s it for: Those who want to manage toxic personalities in the workplace
This book is a must-read for those who need to handle toxic personalities in the workplace. It gives you guidance on how to identify these problematic people, manage their behaviors and reduce the negative impact they have on team morale. By following the processes outlined in this book, you will be able to create a healthier work environment.
#15. The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict
By: Christopher W. Moore
Who’s it for: Those who want to learn mediation and negotiation skills
This book will walk you through the process of conflict resolution from pre-mediation to post-resolution. It is filled with practical tips for understanding the dynamics of a dispute and developing strategies for negotiation and mediation. By reading this amazing guide, you can become an effective negotiator and mediator in any situation.
#16. Bringing Peace Into the Room: How the Personal Qualities of the Mediator Impact the Process of Conflict Resolution
By: Daniel Bowling and David Hoffman
Who’s it for: Those who want to become better mediators
If you want to become a better mediator, this book is for you. It explores the role of the mediator in conflict resolution and provides valuable insight into how personal qualities can have an impact on the outcome. Bring Peace Into The Room will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive difference when it comes to resolving conflicts peacefully.
#17. Conflict Management for Managers: Resolving Workplace, Client, and Policy Disputes
By: Susan S. Raines
Who’s it for: Leaders and Managers of any organizations
This book is an essential resource for any leader dealing with conflict in the workplace. With clear advice on how to handle difficult conversations, it explores topics such as how to listen effectively and put yourself in someone else’s shoes to better understand their point of view. If you’re looking for practical ways to defuse conflicts, this book is sure to provide helpful insights.
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Final Words
Mastering the art of effective conflict resolution is necessary to become a successful leader. Hopefully, the above conflict management books will help you hone your skills and become better at handling disputes. Keep in mind that it’s important to take a mindful approach when dealing with disputes or disagreements as the stakes can be high!
FAQ: Conflict Management Books
You might have these questions in mind.
What are conflict management books?
These are books that discuss solutions to the conflicts experienced by people and organizations. They provide insight into different strategies for conflict resolution, helping readers become better mediators and negotiators.
What are the benefits of reading a conflict management book?
Reading a conflict management book can help you become more aware of the different strategies and approaches available for dealing with disputes. Furthermore, they provide insight into how personal qualities such as empathy and understanding can have an impact on the outcome. Ultimately, this will enable you to handle disputes more effectively and reduce the chance of further chaos or disruption in your organization.
What are some good conflict resolution books for new leaders?
If you’re a new leader, then you can start with The Conflict Resolution Toolbox by Gary T. Furlong and The Power of Positive Confrontation by Barbara Pachter. These books are great for getting an overview of the different strategies available to you.