Communication Strategies for Managing Conflict
A Guide for Academic Leaders
Jossey–Bass Resources for Department Chairs Series

Communication Strategies for Managing Conflict givesacademic leaders the tools and insight they need to effectivelymanage conflict affiliated with leading change and problematicfaculty performance. Using case studies that bring typical issuesto light, this book guides you through difficult situations withstrategies and analyses of key issues, variables, and options. Thereal–life examples show you effective conflict management at work,and provide direct application to your own tricky leadershipsituations. You′ll learn how to deal with difficult people, how tohave difficult conversations, and how to successfully manage changein the face of departmental resistance. Written by an experiencedacademic leader, consultant, and writer, this practical guideprovides the leadership training academics wish they alreadyhad.

Successful conflict management is essential not just todepartments, but to the entire institution. Senior leaders,faculty, and students all rely on you to smooth the change processand keep the department running smoothly. This book gives you afoundation in the critical skills for managing conflict whenleading change and managing problem performance, and the insight toapply them appropriately.

• Communicate more effectively with students, parents, andfaculty
• Navigate difficult conversations with tenured faculty moresuccessfully
• Lead change more effectively
• Mentor and manage problem performance more effectively
• Keep faculty performing well and focused on the rightpriorities

Most academic leaders come into their position reluctantly, withlittle or no preparation for the role, receive very little trainingor coaching, and are thus not equipped to manage conflict when itarises. Communication Strategies for Managing Conflict is alively, readable, and practical guide that will prove useful in themost difficult and common departmental situations.