Disarm Yourself to Dial Down Post-Election Hostility at Home and Work, Conflict-resolution Author Suggests

If we practice the same conflict-resolution skills we use to stop fights in our own families, we can stop fighting over the election results, says Susan Skog, author of the newly released Peace in Our Lifetime: Insights from the Worlds Peacemakers.

FORT COLLINS, CO (PRWEB) November 12, 2004 -- If we practice the same conflict-resolution skills we use to stop fights in our own families, we can stop fighting over the election results, says Susan Skog, author of the newly released book, Peace in Our Lifetime: Insights from the Worlds Peacemakers.

Every day, whenever fights break out in our own homes, we choose to step back, stay calm, find common ground, and stop arguing for the sake of our families. For the sake of our country, its essential that we take these same conflict-resolution skills out with us each day to calm our communities and workplaces," says Skog. Her book features dozens of stories of conflict-resolution, past and present, from around the world.

First, we have to stop using our words as weapons to harm other people, she says. We need to learn how to have honest conversations and share our beliefs without getting ugly with one another. Hold an honest conversation with one person who voted differently than you. Ask them why they voted as they did, and then really listen without defending, debating, ridiculing, or calling names. Stay calm, and breathe deeply if you feel yourself tense up."

Second, accept that we each hold a piece of the truth and stop demonizing people who hold a different political belief. Accept that youre only responsible for your own beliefs, values, and vote," Skog says. Accept that we each hold a piece of the truth. Its unwise and unkind to think that you can control someone elses beliefs."

Third, use your anger as a guidance system, not as a seek-and-destroy missile. Listen to what your anger is telling you. What do you really want to happen in our country? Get clear on what you want to see changed. Then channel your anger to fight for what you believe in, not to fight with others."

Instead of using your anger to attack a neighbor or co-worker, use it to volunteer in your community, write a thoughtful letter to the editor, or spark much-needed change in your office, Skog says.

Finally, if all else fails, agree to disagree. Realize that your relationship with this person is ultimately more precious than the politics."

Peace in Our Lifetime: Insights from the Worlds Peacemakers is available at www.susanskog.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.cliffrosebooks.com. For more information, www.susanskog.com

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