Navigating the Path to Healthy Relationships
Karl Slaikeu
In week 3 of our three weeks of "Healthy New Year" Karl A. Slaikeu, Ph.D., psychologist, mediator, author, and founder of Preferred Path Conflict Resolution (preferredpathconflictresolution.com), guided us as to how he and his wife Diana have integrated promises from scripture with tools from the behavioral sciences to develop healthy relationships at home, in church, at school, at work, and in our community.
We enjoyed a wonderful discussion on how Preferred Path Conflict Resolution works!
Karl has written 3 books on this work and they are summarized below.
1. “Crisis Intervention: A Handbook for Practice and Research” by Karl A. Slaikeu is a comprehensive guide that presents a detailed intervention model applicable across various professions, including law enforcement, clergy, nursing, emergency services, counseling, and education.
The book is structured into three main sections:
1. Theoretical Considerations: This section introduces crisis theory, providing a general framework and exploring both developmental and situational life crises.
2. Intervention Strategies: Slaikeu outlines a comprehensive model for crisis intervention, detailing first-order interventions like psychological first aid, supported by case examples, and second-order interventions such as multimodal crisis therapy, also illustrated with case studies.
3. Service Delivery Systems: The final section discusses the application of crisis intervention strategies by various professionals, including clergy, law enforcement officers, nurses, emergency room workers, telephone counselors, school personnel, mental health counselors, and workplace supervisors.
First published in 1983, this 360-page handbook serves as a valuable resource for both practitioners and researchers seeking to understand and implement effective crisis intervention techniques.
2. “When Push Comes to Shove: A Practical Guide to Mediating Disputes” by Karl A. Slaikeu is a comprehensive resource designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to effectively mediate conflicts across various settings, including workplaces, classrooms, and legal environments.
The book is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical applications:
1. Fundamental Concepts: It introduces the essential interpersonal and communication skills required for successful mediation, laying a solid foundation for readers new to the field.
2. Five-Step Mediation Process: Slaikeu presents a structured approach to mediation, guiding readers through each phase with detailed explanations and real-world examples.
3. Adaptable Mediation Techniques: The book addresses scenarios where a formal mediation process may not be feasible, offering strategies for “mediation on the fly” to resolve disputes promptly and effectively.
This guide serves as a valuable tool for a diverse audience, including:
• Legal Professionals: Lawyers and court-appointed mediators seeking to enhance their dispute resolution techniques.
• Managers and HR Personnel: Individuals responsible for addressing and resolving workplace conflicts.
• Educators and Social Workers: Professionals who facilitate conflict resolution in educational and social service settings.
• Clergy and Community Leaders: Those involved in mediating disputes within communities or congregations.
By combining foundational theory with actionable strategies, “When Push Comes to Shove” empowers readers to handle conflicts constructively, fostering more harmonious and productive environments.
3. “Controlling the Costs of Conflict: How to Design a System for Your Organization” by Karl A. Slaikeu and Ralph H. Hasson is a comprehensive guide aimed at helping organizations develop effective conflict management systems to mitigate the financial and strategic impacts of disputes.
Written in clear, jargon-free language, the book translates advanced concepts into practical strategies, making it accessible to non-experts.
The authors present four guiding principles that managers can follow to create tailored dispute resolution systems suitable for various organizational contexts.
By implementing the approaches outlined, organizations can proactively address conflicts, thereby reducing associated costs and enhancing overall efficiency.
THANK YOU, KARL