Welcome to “Bringing Calm to the Storm”, Episode #41 of Co-creating Peace, a series about conscious communication and conflict transformation.
I recorded this podcast in front of a live online audience at the 2021 State of New Mexico Alternative Dispute Resolution Symposium on October 21 – National Conflict Resolution Day.
As we all know, conflict often involves high emotion. Not everyone has the ability to manage their emotions well, especially when their emotions are highly escalated. People sometimes completely lose awareness and control of their emotions and behavior. Other times people in conflict may use rage to intimidate and control others.
Yet, in order for productive communications to happen and conflict to be resolved, everyone involved must feel safe enough to be able to discuss their experiences and negotiate agreements. That means that someone needs to bring calm to the storm and help everyone de-escalate so that they can move forward together. But, how do we do that??
Joining me today is John Allen to provide us with some helpful understandings about de-escalating others, and some effective tools to help us do that. As time allows, John will also take questions posed by the audience.
John Allen is a retired Sergeant from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. He is a Lead Law Enforcement Instructor at the Central New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, which is responsible for training various law enforcement entities. He is a Master Use of Force Instructor, Master Defensive Tactics Instructor and Lead Homicide Instructor with 23 years of law enforcement experience. During his career at BCSO, John was a supervisor for homicide, violent crimes, Special Weapons and Tactics, mobile crisis teams, and crisis intervention teams that deal with mental health. Conflict resolution and crisis negotiation are components of what he teaches in many of his classes.
Please support Co-creating Peace:
Visit BridgesofPeace.com to learn more about Kathleen and her work.