118 When you feel self defensive, use these conflict competencies Artwork

Conflict Owner's Manual

we show how your conflict competencies help you do conflict better.

Our logo is a dandelion because conflict is like a weed you don't want in the garden. Since it's there you want to know how to manage it, keep it from spreading, and feel good about how you dealt with it.

Dr. Deborah Sword is a specialist in conflict analysis and management. Tyson Bankert is a community facilitator and artist. We have decades of experience and training in helping people expand their conflict competencies.

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Conflict Owner's Manual

118 When you feel self defensive, use these conflict competencies

January 11, 2026 • Dr. Deborah Sword, with co-host Tyson Bankert • Season 5 • Episode 118

Have you ever felt judged or criticized? Did you react defensively, and then they get defensive, and soon the mutual defensiveness escalates (known as tit-for-tat) into a conflict?

You defend with "Yes, but..." to explain yourself, and they claim "you're wrong but..." Maybe voices and tempers rise. We share the conflict competencies that can change that script so the escalation doesn't happen.

Send us a text. We love hearing from you.

Dr. Deborah Sword is a conflict specialist with decades of experience and training to share.

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