The Power of Conflict: Speak Your Mind and Get the Results You Want – A Strategic Toolkit for Arguing Smarter by Bar Rescue's Jon Taffer

by Jon Taffer

Star and executive producer of the hit TV show Bar Rescue and New York Times bestselling author of Don't Bullsh*t Yourself, Jon Taffer reveals the transformational power of conflict, sharing his toolkit for arguing smarter--at home, at work, and in life.

Most people try their best to avoid conflict. Bar Rescue host Jon Taffer understands that. Conflict can have negative results. It's easy to think that the key to a happy workplace or marriage is to avoid conflict. In reality, that's not the case--the key is to argue smarter.

Enter the Toolkit for Getting Conflict Right. Taffer's approach is focused on deliberate conflict--otherwise known as "conflict with a purpose." There are selective and strategic ways to have difficult conversations, and when doing so, to stay aware of your objectives rather than escalating tension unnecessarily. As Taffer explains, "The key is to act affirmatively, constructively, and productively." Eliminating conflict isn't always the answer; inevitably there will be times when it will arise. Engaging in conflict can be a way to clear the air, and get to the bottom of issues that, once resolved, can strengthen friendships, ease tensions at work, and address problems before they have a chance to bubble over.

With easy-to-follow advice that shows how to best engage in constructive discourse to get the results you want, The Power of Conflict provides you with the rules to argue smarter, uphold your values, and keep the conversation real. The step-by-step guide starts with the inception of the conflict and carries through the difficult conversation's conclusion, arming readers with the skills and confidence to fight for their principles.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2022

About the author

JON TAFFER is chairman of Taffer Dynamics (www.tafferdynamics.com), president of the Nightclub & Bar Media Group, and host of Spike TV's wildly popular Bar Rescue.

Reviews

[Mason Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me understand the importance of using conflict in everyday life to improve my relationships with others, or unfortunately cut off relationships with those that cannot navigate conflicts effectively. Some people simply cannot be reasoned with.

Key takeaways:

Stand up for yourself. If not you, then who?

20% of people cannot be reasoned with. Don’t waste your time.

It’s not about winning or trying to change people. It is about having them see your perspective.

Do not fester in conflict. Resolve quickly.

You engage in conflict with those you love. If you did not love them then why waste your efforts?

Listen and digest. Never attack, and use empathy to your advantage.

Go into a conflict stating your objectives. Effective for meetings, but most effective in relationships.

When you feel someone has disrespected you. Instead of attacking them immediately, ask in the moment if what they just said was intentional or what they meant by it. Often times people are not out to harm you, and in fact calling them out in the moment will correct the behaviour.

[Matthew Bodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Bar Rescue, this book was a great reflection with insight on many popular episodes. It also gives sound advice on how to confront people and problems. It’s an easy read, nothing too in depth. Straight to the point and entertaining for fans of the show. Definitely recommend.

[Leslie ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It explains how to resolve conflict by not allowing your emotions to blind you, finding common ground, showing respect to the other person, using facts and evidence, and giving yourself respect in the process.

[Brooke Boznango · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book because of my current obsession with Bar Rescue, which, looking back on it, isn’t the best reason to choose to read a book. Overall, it was ok. I got some interesting tidbits from it. There were some things I didn’t agree with, and some comments he made that made me cringe a little from a political standpoint. Overall though, I didn’t totally hate it.

[David Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Main takeaways- Situational Awareness and staying prepared.

Being prepared whether you're meeting an angry bar owner or the President of the United States. Understanding and seeing how those conversations could play out beforehand.

[Matt Haynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay.

[Sylvie M.]

Another no none sense book by Jon Taffer. He did not disappoint!

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of what I read is common sense. I felt I was just getting a peek at what his shows were all about. Some may find this intriguing but I was happy to finish this book.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insights y técnicas para saber conducir el
Conflicto para lograr un fin

[Omar El-Mohri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of books that you need to read more than once.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking forward to Mr Tafffer’s keynote at the ARA Show in February.

[William Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first self-help book I have read. Its practical approach, rather than psychology, was what I needed lately. Some already familiar notions became clear and firm.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to read if you plan to be a leader one day

[Val Riewe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jon Taffer gives some great advice from his years of experience. I listened to the audio book so it was great to hear him tell us his tips.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. I just felt like he kept yammering on about his experiences with Bar Rescue. Even though he was using those examples to demonstrate what type of conflict resolution skills needed to be used with each situation. If I tried myself to do some of what he said, I just know I don’t have the confidence to make those skills effective. And I’ll end up crying instead of having solved the conflicts in my life…

🍵🍵🍵.25

[Ackeem Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon Taffer is the best Thing for the bar industry.

[David Dull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read. I like the references to the show but it is definitely not about his shows. definitely some good perspectives on dealing with conflict.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t stay with the book and would off, to be fair in this review. HOWEVER, I loved and would skip ahead and highlight all the “Taffer’s Tool Takeaways” at the end of each chapter. The organization is great throughout and I saved the takeaways because they just seem like they could be tremendously helpful in life in the future if I need them or could share with a friend. Helpful for thinking conflict through and possibilities for how to approach it. Again, to be honest I barely read this but am saving the Takeaways.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful book that emphasizes and explains the importance of healthy conflict. Worth the read.