Creative Conflict Resolution

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Creative Conflict Resolution

In M/s and in Organizations

Conflict.  Even among groups with a common goal, conflict will appear.  Strong willed, self-serving, committed to perspective and ideology as we humans are, conflict is not only inevitable, it is commonplace.  For most, when conflict ensues it is time to check-out.  Most people hate confrontation, preferring instead to voice displeasure surreptitiously so they can vent their emotions, yet not have to resolve the differences that will likely require compromise and perhaps even the admission that one may be wrong about something.  And in the Leather/BDSM community, the personality traits are highly charged– given our proclivity to prefer authority or relinquish authority– so when conflicts arise they usually have a larger-than-life incarnation.

But there are tools to manage conflict.  There are processes and standards that can be agreed upon, and approached with mutual respect, or, if not with respect, with a realization that the resolution to a conflict will cost less over time than keeping the conflict active by either refusing to come to the table, or by ignoring the conflict exists by avoidance. And then there is the realization that conflict has a positive incarnation– that it allows us to think outside our own needs and ideology; it gives us an insight to what others may need and how that need can be addressed.

As a community leader in Los Angeles, Master George has years of experience dealing with conflicts ranging from the complaints of a disgruntled club member to the violation of ethics by someone in the community that required intervention.  He has taken these experiences and codified them into a presentation that explores the kinds of conflict that can ensue in personal relationships, romantic relationships, in the larger community, in politics, and in the business of running a thriving BDSM club.  He will cover the broad range of types of conflict, and how we find ourselves embroiled in them, and how we can work to put simple but effective tyools ino place in order to bring conflicts to a peaceful and rewarding resolution.

Topics Covered:

• Types of Conflicts To Consider
• Ethics
• Conflict Illustrations, Examples, Personalities, Reactions
• Choosing One’s Battles
• The Art of Diplomacy
• The Art of Negotiation
• Where There is No Compromise / Loss
• Rumors – The Pitfalls and Challenges
• Self Maintenance
• Empathy / Listening Skills