Includes bibliographical references (p. [275]-276) and index.

You're not the only one out there who hates conflict -- Take the coward test -- Seven choices you can make in conflict -- The top 10 reasons people avoid conflict -- Why change? -- How to motivate yourself to deal with conflict -- The secret for motivating yourself to face conflict -- Confronting your fear one step at a time -- How to make conflict less frightening quickly -- How your integrity can help you face conflict -- Understanding when conflict is actually a good thing -- Building your knowledge, skills, and confidence -- Common causes of conflict -- We'd be fine if they weren't so different! -- Why people only think that they are angry (often they're not!) -- Five ways to listen and why people don't use them -- Four communication patterns to use if you want to keep fighting -- Don't assume the position. -- The role of selfishness -- If common sense is so common, then why don't they have it? -- You've got the tools, you've got the talent: techniques to handle any conflict -- The truth and nothing but the truth -- Discussing wants, fairness, and integrity -- Assertiveness, coward style -- Avoiding the top 10 mistakes made when dealing with upset people -- Talking about how you are talking -- The lesson of the swaying trees: embracing conflict -- Putting it all together: a step-by-step approach for dealing with conflict.