Transforming Conflict into Consensus: 9 Keys to Synergy

Affirmative Facilitation (AF) focuses on positivity in conflict resolution, promoting meaning through living an authentically happy life. This is done by choosing actions that promote individual and group growth and prosperity. Life ranges from suffering to happiness, and while suffering is painful, it is occasionally necessary to achieve growth. This book is about using a positive approach to solve difficult problems. However it is more than mere problem solving. It is a way of changing your approach and perspective on how you live your life. AF works beyond only solving the conflict, and incorporates Positive Psychology and emotional intelligence to resolve the issues, to improve the relationship, and to promote human flourishing, for both the individual and the community. Just as psychology has moved from correcting the bad to building upon the good through Positive Psychology, so can AF move from short term solutions to creating and restoring peace and harmony. In this continuing evolution of conflict resolution, AF seeks to introduce a process based on meaning, harmony and happiness. The fields of Emotional Intelligence and Positive Psychology show us that we perform best when our thoughts, words and actions are positively directed. Affirmative Facilitation (AF) integrates the theory with the skills in 9 stages, promoting an environment that is practical, productive and harmonizing. AF integrates aspects of a diverse range of processes including facilitative and transformative mediation, Appreciative Inquiry, World Cafe, 6 Thinking Hats and Participatory Decision Making as ancillary processes that can enhance a conflict resolution environment. The focus is on coming together for a common purpose and unified action. AF recognizes that suffering may very well be necessary for growth, but it is something that needs to be transcended and overcome. AF works to transform suffering into an authentic opportunity for human growth and community transformation.

Author: Trip Barthel

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Publication Date: Jan 31, 2014

Number of Pages: 184 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: 1495398501

ISBN-13: 9781495398506