Meet the Conflict Doctor

Deborah Sword has been a conflict manager, trainer, writer and speaker since 1991. She is also a dispute resolution consultant specializing in the environment and change strategies.

What is Conflict Competence?

Conflict Competence is the ability and attitude to use the knowledg you have, even in stressful conflict situations. Through competently handled conflicts we learn, grow and develop, which are often unexpected but positive outcomes of the conflict experience.

Where to start?

Start with contacting me for a discussion about what’s possible. We discover and uncover the answers to your questions, and go from there. The issues as you uncover them are the start of designing a process to improve what’s going on.

Featured article this month

The power of apology in conflict

Both parties wind up feeling empowered when they make the decision to take responsibility and fix the conflict. Read more.

T.I.P.s – The Theory, Implementation and Practice of Conflict Competence

Professionalization of conflict resolvers

Professionalization under the guise of public protection seems to really be protection for the self-interest of the practitioner. Read more.

Conflict Competence in fiction and non-fiction

Metaphors for conflict competence

Pick your battles. It’s a cliché and it’s powerful in its message to walk away, avoid, withdraw. Read more.

What Clients Say

“We can’t thank you enough for your patient, gentle and professional instruction and for sharing your incredible knowledge and insight on how to deal with conflict and have difficult conversations.”

–– Participant | View more comments