Caspersen takes up conflict in a unique way through this book. I say unique not to suggest a certain "spin" on it that makes it palatable to different audiences or makes it a sexy commodity in the way of books following a Malcolm Gladwell-esque treatment. It takes conflict up uniquely in that it doesn't pretend to be a solution. It lives in the nebulousness of conflict, and the liminal spaces of discomfort within which we find ourselves when we're trying to navigate it. Accordingly, Dana Caspersen offers chapters as suggested pathways through it, absent of prescriptive "ought to" sentiments.

The contents would be extremely helpful for anyone in business, particularly those who are a bit green to conflict management and interpersonal relationships where there is a power balance that is new to them: managers, supervisors, leaders, and even those who are trying to "manage up" so that they maintain healthy boundaries in their relationship to powers "above" them in hierarchical organizations. I enjoy that this book shifts the perspective of what conflict means, so that it is viewed less through the lens of negotiation and more as a way to see and honor one another's humanity. It's not unique in that take, but combined with the writing style, tone of the author, and context of applicability, it stands out in the genre among new releases and contributions to it. I could easily see this becoming a professional development tool for leadership teams across a variety of industries.

It reminded me (very helpfully so!) of Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication tenets, though applied in a different context. It would complement the book "Crucial Conversations" nicely as well. If someone is in business or using it in work contexts, it would dovetail nicely with Melissa Urban's "The Book of Boundaries" if you are a reader who takes up boundary changes at work and finds that the ripple effect is impacting relationships outside of work in constructive ways and want further guidance.

Many thanks to the publisher for the advance reader copy, obtained through NetGalley! I really enjoyed reading this book!