Overcoming a false start

Overcoming a false start

Author: Jane Beddall February 20, 2025 Duration: 4:36

A false start in a conflict situation can appear in different ways. We can create a conflict where none existed or when we make a good faith attempt to resolve a conflict. Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. A concept so fundamental that it was the focus of Episode 11, way back on March 13, 2019.  But if a false start has occurred, remember and take advantage of the fact of the false start – emphasis on “start”. So, let’s start over. If you made an honest mistake, try an old-fashioned apology. Explain, if you can, what went wrong.   If the other person refuses to engage with you and says so, consider offering a cooling-off period of some specific duration.  An agreement to try again at a certain time or date. Take a break, a breather, a pause.  If it’s just crickets, no response at all, think about a good length for a breather – from your perspective and the other person’s, too – and pick it. Take the initiative to try again at the end of that pause.   It’s just the start. Too soon to give up. Worth it to try again and do what you can to set up for a better result. 

Do you have comments or suggestions about a topic or guest? An idea or question about conflict management or conflict resolution? Let me know at jb@dovetailresolutions.com! And you can learn more about me and my work as a mediator and a Certified CINERGY® Conflict Coach at www.dovetailresolutions.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebeddall/.Enjoy the show for free on your favorite podcast app or on the podcast website: https://craftingsolutionstoconflict.com/

 


In a world where disagreements often feel like dead ends, Crafting Solutions to Conflict offers a different path-one built on practical tools and a genuinely constructive mindset. Hosted by Jane Beddall, whose background in both law and mediation brings a unique depth to the conversation, this podcast moves beyond theory to the everyday realities of navigating tension. You’ll hear discussions that reframe conflict not as something to dread, but as a potential catalyst for stronger connections and better outcomes, whether at home, in the workplace, or within your community. Each episode feels like a thoughtful dialogue, unpacking familiar yet challenging concepts. Jane guides listeners through ideas like addressing the ‘elephants in the room,’ finding ways to ‘expand the pie’ for mutual gain, and understanding why ‘cookie-cutter’ solutions often fall short. The focus is consistently on preserving valued relationships by preventing unnecessary damage and resolving issues that do arise with clarity and respect. Tuning into this podcast provides more than just advice; it’s an ongoing exploration of how to build and restore harmony through intentional communication. If you’re looking for actionable perspectives that blend wisdom from the realms of society, business, and personal growth, you’ll find a trusted resource here.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Crafting Solutions to Conflict
Podcast Episodes
Generations, Cohorts, and False Assumptions – Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:14
Problems start when we make false assumptions about entire generations, entire cohorts, and the individuals we meet who fall into one of them.So, what to do about it?First, recognize what we are doing. Next, take a momen…
Generations, Cohorts, and False Assumptions – Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:37
We hear plenty of stereotypes about generations. In cohort theory, the emphasis is not on rigid boundaries set by birth years, but on shared experiences. Generations and cohorts themselves don’t necessarily get us into t…
David Russell on Bridging the Generational Divide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:52
David Russell joins me today. We talk about his book, Bridging the Generational Divide: Generational Perspectives on Money. David says that his book is intended as a guide for advisors who are navigating family wealth, v…
Triggers – direct and indirect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:38
The direct ones are, well, direct. They are easy to see. Who wouldn’t be offended? Indirect triggers are trickier. If I know the other person well, I may have a good guess at their indirect triggers. I can try not to cre…
Mitch Abrams on anger, aggression, and assertiveness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
Dr. Mitch Abrams joins me to talk about his book, I’m Not F*cking Angry!: adjust the flame to get what you want and need. We discuss the distinction between anger and aggression, and our perceptions of aggression vs. ass…
Fan favorites of 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:10
Three brief episodes from me. It’s just a coincidence that they published three in a row in the summer.First, Episode 345, published on July 30, 2025, “Conversations, chats, discussions….” 4:23, http://bit.ly/40O1p1X.Sec…
When you are caught off guard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:58
My most recent guests, Alice Driscoll and Louise van Haarst, talked with me about their book, Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work. They introduced their Five R Model: Reflection, Regulation, Readiness,…
When you are prepared to respond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:02
My most recent guests, Alice Driscoll and Louise van Haarst, talked with me about their book, Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work. They introduced their Five R Model: Reflection, Regulation, Readiness,…
Alice Driscoll and Louise van Haarst on Smart Conflict, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
Alice Driscoll and Louise van Harrst join me today. We talk about their book, Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work. Our conversation is in two parts. Last time, in Part 1, we covered the foundation for…
Alice Driscoll and Louise van Haarst on Smart Conflict, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
Alice Driscoll and Louise van Harrst join me today. We talk about their book, Smart Conflict: How to have hard conversations at work. Our conversation is in two parts. Today, in Part 1, we cover the foundation for the co…