Communication Compass: Practical Skills for Navigating Conflict
Author:
Neil H. Katz, Ph.D.
Contributing Authors:
Adrienne Hibbert
Josue Loyer
Fikisha Marée, MAPC, MHRM
Gina Riestra Maxwell, MBA, MSL
Kadianne Pinard,MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, SWP
Ronda Ress Rascón, MHREL, RDH-BS
- Overview
- Authors Bio
- Reviews
- Other Details
Are you weary of the sleepless nights caused by endless arguments, misunderstandings, and fractured relationships? Communication Compass helps you chart a new course.
Born from the expertise of Dr. Neil Katz and his graduate students at Nova Southeastern University, this user-friendly book is written in a conversational tone and offers practical, proven tools to manage conflict with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Through real-life examples and easy-to-apply techniques, you’ll learn how to:
- Listen in ways that deepen understanding and build lasting rapport
- Communicate with empathy and purpose
- Navigate emotional triggers without losing control
- Negotiate solutions that work for everyone
- Apply assertion and problem-solving techniques to meet your needs
- Assist others by serving effectively as a mediator or facilitator
- Repair and strengthen relationships—even in the face of disagreement
Engaging, relatable, and immediately applicable, Communication Compass is your modern survival guide for navigating difficult conversations, mending broken relationships, and finding peace of mind.
Whether you are a student, professional, leader, or lifelong learner, this book is your essential guide to transforming tense encounters into opportunities for growth, connection, and resilience.
Neil H. Katz (Ph.D. U. of Maryland) is currently in his 54th year as a University Professor. After heading five conflict resolution academic and practice programs at the renowned Maxwell School of Syracuse University for 37 years, he now serves as former chair, professor, and College Ombuds at the Department of Conflict Resolution Studies at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Ft. Lauderdale. He is the author or co-author of over 60 publications, is an active conflict consultant and trainer to groups and organizations in Leadership, Negotiation, Mediation and Emotional Intelligence, and heads his own consulting firm, Neil Katz and Associates.
Neil has received several prestigious awards for his career long work including the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Award from the Syracuse community for his leadership in nonviolent conflict resolution, the William Kreidler Award for Distinguished Service to the field of Conflict Resolution from the Association of Conflict Resolution, and the NSU President’s Distinguished College Professor of the Year Award.
(Preface, Chapter 1, Chapter 8, Afterward)
Contributing Authors:
Adrienne Hibbert is a brand and communication strategist who has spent her career helping individuals, organizations, and communities communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and impact. With a background in strategic branding, digital storytelling, and conflict resolution, Adrienne brings a unique lens to every conversation, one that centers human connection, cultural nuance, and practical transformation.
Currently completing her graduate studies in Conflict Analysis & Resolution at Nova Southeastern University, Adrienne also explores the intersections between human communication and emerging technology. Her passion for clear, intentional messaging has led her to develop accessible tools for navigating both interpersonal conflict and machine-human communication in the age of AI.
As co-author of Communication Compass: Practical Skills for Navigating Conflict, Adrienne bridges theory and practice to make communication more approachable for everyone, from students as young as 13 to professionals across sectors like HR, education, and business. Whether she’s facilitating workshops, advising brands, or working on AI literacy tools, Adrienne’s work is rooted in a single belief:
Better communication builds better outcomes—for people, systems, and the future.
Learn more at: kindredsparkconsulting.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/adriennehibbert
(Chapter 3, Chapter 4)
Josue Loyer is a doctoral student at NSU, concentrating on global conflict. With an interdisciplinary background and a graduate certificate in Advanced Conflict Resolution Practice, his research interests encompass theoretical perspectives to advance understanding of complex conflict dynamics and innovative resolution strategies addressing intractable conflicts, human rights, and statelessness.
(Chapter 10)
Fikisha Marée, MAPC, MHRM, is a Retired Army Master Sergeant with 25 years of experience in Human Resources Management and Human Relations. She is a Master Facilitator and has trained and developed over 1,900 military service members and Department of Defense civilians to become an equal opportunity professional. Fikisha is a Certified Florida Supreme Court County Mediator, Master Resiliency Trainer, and Military Equal Opportunity Advisor. While pursuing a Ph.D., Fikisha serves as a Transformational Coach who is passionate about educating and mentoring individuals by providing tools and insights to build authentic relationships.
(Chapter 7)
Gina Riestra Maxwell, MBA, MSL, is a seasoned human resources professional with over 20 years of experience serving both government and private sector organizations. She brings deep expertise to complex conflict management scenarios, having navigated high-stakes organizational disputes in Labor & Employee Relations. Certified as a Labor Relations Professional, EEO Investigator, Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit, County, and Family Mediator, and Qualified Arbitrator, she combines practical experience with recognized professional credentials.
She is the founder of The Mekling Group, a conflict resolution firm based in Orlando, FL, specializing in resolving intricate workplace and organizational disputes. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Nova Southeastern University and holds academic credentials in Employment Law, Business Administration, and Human Resources Management.
(Chapter 9)
Kadianne Pinard, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP is a seasoned HR leader with over 15 years of Human Resources experience. She is the CEO of KLADZ Resources & Consulting LLC, specializing in Human Resources Consulting, Workplace Conflict Resolution, and Global Staff Outsourcing. She holds a B.A. degree in Public Administration and an MBA with a focus in Human Resources. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Conflict Resolution. Kadianne’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her multiple HR certifications. Her passion for empowering individuals and organizations makes her a notable voice in the field of human resources.
(Chapter 2, Chapter 5, Chapter 11)
Ronda Ress Rascón, MHREL, RDH-BS, is a healthcare professional currently working in training and development, office administration, and HR systems design. As a PhD student at NSU, she has focused on group dynamics through the Tavistock model and by specializing in curriculum that is focused on conflict in group settings and organizations. Her background as a post-secondary educator, human relations professional, and many years as a healthcare provider for patients with various disabilities has made her passionate about understanding the dynamics of human experiences, the underlying manifestations of conflict and dispute, and how to equip individuals and groups with conflict transformation skills.
(Chapter 6)
“This is the book we’ve been waiting for-clear, practical, and essential for anyone navigating everyday conflict with confidence and competence.”
Tony Callisto. Former University Senior Vice-President and Chief Deputy Sheriff
“Highly relevant guide offering communication and conflict resolution insights and techniques. Ideal for professionals seeking more authentic and effective dialogue with stakeholders.”
Nancy Pattarini, PhD., President and CEO, Paige Marketing Communications Group, Inc.
ISBN: 9798385198443
Details: Print Product
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2025
Pages: 252
★★★★★
This is the book we’ve been waiting for-clear, practical, and essential for anyone navigating everyday conflict with confidence and competence.
Tony Callisto
Former University Senior Vice-President and Chief Deputy Sheriff
★★★★★
Highly relevant guide offering communication and conflict resolution insights and techniques. Ideal for professionals seeking more authentic and effective dialogue with stakeholders.
Nancy Pattarini, PhD.
President and CEO, Paige Marketing Communications Group, Inc.
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