Conflict Sparks Change

8 Field-Tested Strategies for Human Resources Professionals

You have the power to transform conflicts into opportunities.

Let’s face it: navigating conflict in human resources is a constant challenge. You became a HR professional because you were drawn to working with people issues. And yet, the realities of your job may leave you feeling frustrated, burned out, or pessimistic. It is time to approach conflict with a different mindset.

Authors Faircloth and Bedlivy—dispute resolution professionals with decades of experience in human resources and administrative law—created this practitioner’s guide to provide you with both strategy and purpose as you channel negative energy into more constructive avenues. Conflict Sparks Change is your go-to handbook for achieving positive outcomes in tough situations, and is rich with practical, field-tested tactics including:

how to embrace possibility thinking and reshape your perspective on the advantages of conflict
steps for conflict-positive intake conversations and a framework for thoughtful, accurate note-taking
invitational mediation techniques for team-wide and personal conflicts
how to foster a workplace culture centered on meaningful interactions

Conflict Sparks Change is brimming with innovative approaches to tackling the challenging terrain of workplace conflict. Whether you’re mediating disputes between colleagues, facilitating team-building exercises, or implementing training programs, these proactive approaches will help you shape a workplace where differences are not only accepted, but celebrated.

Conflict Sparks Change is available anywhere books are sold now

Kim Faircloth

Kim Faircloth (PhD, SHRM-SCP, SPHR) is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in conflict resolution coaching and mediation, leadership development, and executive coaching. As the owner of Integrated Conflict Solutions, LLC, she empowers individuals and organizations to effectively manage conflicts and enhance employee engagement. A certified coach and trained mediator, Dr. Faircloth has guided thousands in addressing workplace conflicts. Her expertise spans roles such as ombudsman, workforce strategies consultant, and director of human resources. Drawing on her doctoral studies in conflict and mediation, she is a senior principal trainer and consultant at the Mediation Training Institute based in St. Petersburg, Florida. She continues to make significant contributions to the field, driven by her commitment to peacemaking and educating future HR professionals.

Dawn Bedlivy

Dawn Bedlivy (Esq) is a distinguished conflict resolution specialist with over three decades of experience. Her expertise encompasses leadership development, alternative dispute resolution, and conflict systems design. Ms. Bedlivy has successfully led teams and delivered consultation and training at prestigious venues. As an accomplished ombudsman, mediator, and organizational systems coach, she has applied her skills to spearhead an innovation ecosystem. Demonstrating her commitment to education, Ms. Bedlivy serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, where she educates future professionals in conflict resolution.

Praise for Conflict Sparks Change

Over the years, I’ve been very impressed watching Kim Faircloth and Dawn Bedlivy develop highly practical and effective approaches for helping individuals and teams manage workplace conflict. In Conflict Sparks Change: 8 Field-Tested Strategies for Human Resources Professionals, they share their insights and offer helpful strategies, tips, reflective questions, and processes for addressing inevitable conflicts. HR professionals will treasure this new offering from Faircloth and Bedlivy.

Craig Runde

co-author of Becoming a Conflict Competent Leader and Building Conflict Competent Teams

In Conflict Sparks Change, authors Kim Faircloth and Dawn Bedlivy offer a fresh and insightful perspective tailored to modern human resources professionals. They explore the evolving expectations placed on senior leaders and supervisors to be mindful of their influence on the workforce, particularly in setting the tone for conflict resolution. The book provides real-world examples highlighting the increasing importance of HR’s collaboration with in-house counsel, emphasizing that this partnership is not only valuable but essential. A central theme is that conflict, when properly managed, can be a catalyst for positive change, and embracing it is critical for fostering innovation.

Diane M. Janosek

Executive director, Capitol Technology University’s Center for Women in Cyber

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