1. The What and Why of Confl ict Competent Leaders 1

2. Understanding the Dynamics of Confl ict and Your Responses to It 25

3. Cool Down: Managing Your Emotions 67

4. Slow Down and Refl ect: Taking Time to Consider What Is Happening 83

5. Preventing Destructive Responses to Confl ict 97

6. Fostering Constructive Responses to Confl ict 155

7. Developing and Leading Confl ict Competent Teams 223

8. Creating Confl ict Competent Organizations 251

Epilogue 271

Resources 275

References 279

The Authors 285

Index 287

About the Center for Creative Leadership 297