De-escalation by Robert Lubbe

An essential guide for professionals, leaders and individuals to have confidence and control in identifying and managing conflict and aggression, written by a New Zealand expert with international experience.  Robert Lubbe explores the biological and psychological factors that drive human behaviour in crisis, and he explains how to de-escalate volatile situations. Readers learn how to make calm and calculated decisions under intense pressure.

After serving in the military and in public healthcare, the author wrote this book out of a desire for individual to improve their safety and to protect themselves when going about their lives in the world.  While the book covers self-defence, ‘it will not transform you into Bruce Lee,’ but rather, learn how to make good, controlled decisions under pressure, whether it be managing a workplace dispute, dealing with volatile clients in a high-risk situation or walking down the street and being in danger for some reason.

The author clearly knows what he is talking about. He rose to the rank of Captain in the Parachute Brigade, developing strong leadership and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. His career took him to high-risk operational settings around Africa and in the Middle East. And his work in public healthcare also focuses on risk assessment.

De-escalation is fascinating, easy to understand and read with its well-considered chapters, and I can see it is helpful in countless situations.  Certainly, every leader should read this book, but it’s also an excellent read for anyone who is concerned about the world, to equip themselves with knowledge that might be helpful in the event of encountering aggression or conflict.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Flutch TC Publishing