How to Solve Your People Problems: Dealing with Your Difficult Relationships
by: Dr. Alan Godwin
Genre: Non-Fiction/Self Help
How to Solve Your People Problems is one of those books I was asked to review before it was available in book stores. It took me some time to actually get around to reading this one because it’s not really the type of book I typically read. And given that I’m the type of reader that book selection is dictated by my mood I’m not terribly surprised it tool so long to actually get around to reading it.
Essentially Dr. Alan Godwin’s book is all about conflict resolution, and in a way aren’t all self help books? Once I started reading the book I thought I’ve heard a lot of this stuff before. My Alma Mater is Canadian Mennonite University and one of the presidents of the university (it was a new university, three colleges amalgamated to create it) was the founding father of conflict resolution so much of what can be found between the covers of this book wasn’t new or exciting. But that doesn’t mean the book isn’t valuable.
Many people don’t have the skills required to deal with conflict, and I’m still not perferect at it (and probably never will be), so a book like How to Solve Your People Problems is of great value. The one aspect of that I really enjoyed about this book was that it goes a little further than just tells you had to properly deal with conflict but suggests how to do this with people that aren’t all that keen on finding a resolution.
The writing is simple and easy to follow. There are few processes that Dr. Godwin recommend you follow in a conflict type situation. The fact that is book is stylistically simple anyone can follow it and live out the suggestions in the book. The book is written for anyone that may be having difficulty dealing with difficult people or difficult situations. Even though most of what can be found in the book is common sense it is helpful.
That's the Book! 
Thank you for sharing this book. I’m trying to improve my social skills and I’ll defiantly pick this book up when I have the chance. I dug the post because the internet would be a better place if everyone read this book.
Thank you again.
Many people don’t have the skills required to deal with conflict.
You can say that again. I work in HR and every day I get to deal with what happens when people can’t figure out how to resolve a conflict. If only people could figure it out… but then I suppose, I wouldn’t have a job.
Aron Sora: I’m glad I could introduce you to this book. I hope it does help at least one person. It’s a great intro do dealing with difficult people.
Kim L: I think even with the help of this book people will always need mediators in difficult situations. So, no need to worry about your job!
I tend to have a “flight” response when it comes to conflict, so maybe this book would be helpful.
I tend to shut down during conflict. He talks about both responses in the book.
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