About The Conflict Authority

The secret to success in conflict is not just winning; it is to avoid pointless conflicts in the first place. It is also being prepared when you face an unavoidable conflict. Conflict is scary because there is always a chance that you can lose something important (apart from the time involved) like your relationships, money, and reputation. Conflicts are inherently emotional. I help people with managing the emotional part of conflict so that they can zero in on what is important to them.

Conflict Consulting and Coaching

I will help you clarify and focus on what is important to you. This will give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are making the best possible decisions within the context of that conflict. To make the best possible decisions, you need to prepare and plan. I will help you gather intelligence, assess and analyze that information, and then work with you to prepare for the subsequent negotiations. I will provide you with shrewd judgments that will empower you to take effective action.

Training

I can provide training on a number of topics for individuals and groups. Each training can be customized to your needs. Past topics include:

• Understanding Conflict
• Conflict Resolution Skills
• Communication for Leaders
• Negotiation Skills

If you require training on any topic or issue connected to conflict, let me know. If I cannot provide you with information or training myself, I know someone who can help you with your specific needs.

Contact me for help with your conflicts, big and small

About Leo

My name is Leo Barrera. My formal training in conflict resolution began in the United States Army where conflict is resolved through direct confrontation and violence. After leaving the Army, I learned that the destruction of your enemy, even the idea that an opponent is your enemy, can be detrimental to the negotiation and resolution of smaller, everyday conflicts. This put me on the path to seeking out better ways to deal with conflict.

Since that time I have let my experiences inform my interest in conflict management and resolution. Interactions with clients and colleagues, both in the public sector and the private sector, have provided numerous opportunities for learning. I have worked with community-based organizations and addressed professional organizations on topics such as conflict resolution, leadership, effective communication, and groupthink. I have served as a union steward and been a member of the collective bargaining unit in contract negotiations between the Service Employees International Union Local 721 and the County of Los Angeles.

I am a member of Crown City Toastmasters Club 5278, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 2967, the American Legion Post 272, the Association for Conflict Resolution, the International Association for Conflict Management, the Institute on Violence Abuse and Trauma/National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. I have been a Child Support Officer with the County of Los Angeles since 2007. I have a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Administrative Management and a master’s degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding, both from California State University, Dominguez Hills. My academic interests include community activism, structural violence, leadership, and social capital.