We want to transform how community change agents view conflict. So we created a new word to describe our bold mission: Consolution
Consolution: the constructive and enduring resolution of community conflict.
Is it possible to avoid conflict within community organizations? We think not. In fact, we hope not.
We know that conflict is inevitable. Pretending it doesn’t exist is an exercise in futility that leads to disengagement and stagnation within an organization. But when conflict is acknowledged, brought to the forefront and resolved constructively, creativity is unleashed and growth accelerates. Quite simply, we believe that the more we are able to embrace conflict and employ tools and strategies that lead to constructive and enduring resolution, the greater our impact will be on the communities we serve.
Our primary mission is to increase the effectiveness of community organizations by helping their leaders, members, and advocates embrace an attitude of Consolution – the constructive and enduring resolution of community conflict. We seek to support them in this effort by providing the tools and processes that have been used successfully for decades within the private sector. We take the best of these programs and tailor them to meet the unique needs of community organizations.
Consolution draws its wisdom and tools from some of the great thought leaders that consult with the private sector, as well as organizations that assist opposing communities in addressing and resolving conflict. Among these thought leaders and organizations are:
- The Harvard Negotiating Program
- Entrepreneur Operating System (Gino Wickman)
- Kolbe Wisdom (Kathy Kolbe)
- Strategic Coach (Dan Sullivan)
- Think2Perform (Doug Lennick)
- The Table Group (Pat Lencioni)
Join a growing number of Consolutionists who boldly accept the challenge of acknowledging conflict in the organizations and communities they serve, and implementing innovative ways to come to constructive and enduring resolutions.
What’s Behind Our Name
CONSOLUTION: the constructive and enduring resolution of community conflict.
CONSOLUTIONISM: increasing the effectiveness of community organizations by helping their leaders, members, and advocates embrace an attitude of Consolution – the constructive and enduring resolution of conflict.
CONSOLUTIONIST: a person dedicated to constructive and enduring resolution of community conflict.
Steve Lear coined these terms and believes they have a place in today’s vernacular. Please use them as you see fit.