Invite the Bully to Tea

A POWERFUL WAY TO RESOLVE GROUP CONFLICTS

Conflicts not only wreak havoc on people and relationships but cost millions of dollars in lost productivity, turnover, grievances and legal disputes.

Unlike other dispute resolution books, this book teaches a restorative way to resolve group conflict. Rather than punishing “offenders” groups or teams meet together to both resolve individual differences, repair hurt feelings and rebuild trust at the same time. In just a few hours individuals are able to understand what is really going on, see the situation from a variety of perspectives and come to a consensus on how to move forward.

This book provides a step-by-step, technique for mediating and resolving group disputes. Even the most dysfunctional group is able to overcome negative feelings and move toward a more positive future. In this book you will learn how to:

• properly talk to people in conflict
• select those people who need to talk together
• prepare individuals for the conversation
• facilitate the group conversation
• write up an action plan after the conversation

What people are saying

“Fitzgerald is at the cutting edge of bringing restorative practices to corporations. She provides wonderful real-life examples as well as an overview of how to do it.”— Ted Wachtel, author of Real Justice and president of the International Institute for Restorative Practices

“Fitzgerald’s book is a must not just for managers but for anyone seeking to build respectful, productive relationships within any work environment.”— Barry Stuart, co-author of Peacemaking Circles and retired judge, cse Consulting Group

"Maureen’s many stories and examples bring theory to life and provide us with a good sense of Corporate Circles in action.”— Gary Harper, author of the The Joy of Conflict Resolution

About the Author

Maureen F. Fitzgerald, PhD, JD, LLM, BComm practiced law for 20 years and has written eleven books, many articles and hundreds of blogs. She has a business degree, a law degree, a master of law degree from the London School of Economics and a doctorate degree. In her former life, Maureen was a policy lawyer, mediator and professor at two universities. As a leader of thoughts and people, Maureen writes and speaks often about social justice, equality and mindfulness. Her motto is: Sharing the right ideas at the right time can change the world. You can find her at MaureenFitzgerald.com.

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1 What Is a Corporate Circle?

Chapter 2 The Corporate Circle Model

Chapter 3 How to Create a Corporate Circle

Chapter 4 How to Prepare for a Corporate Circle

Chapter 5 How to Prepare Circle Participants

Chapter 6 How to Facilitate a Corporate Circle

Chapter 7 The Future of Circles

References

About the Author