Negotiate Anything How to Handle High-Conflict People | Bill Eddy's Proven 4-Step Formula
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Jan 12, 2026 
Join Bill Eddy, a conflict resolution expert and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute, as he unpacks the complexities of high-conflict personalities. Discover his insightful 'BIFF' Response Formula to effectively respond without losing your cool. Bill highlights the four main traits of these individuals and discusses how to avoid common traps that escalate disputes. Learn strategies for shifting conversations from blame to problem-solving and how to manage emotions effectively. Don't miss his tips on handling high-conflict people, especially in workplace dynamics!
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Stop Trying To Make Them See Their Fault
- Avoid trying to give high-conflict people insight into their behavior because it backfires and escalates the fight.
- Instead, focus them on present choices and concrete next steps to make progress.
The Four-Trait High-Conflict Profile
- High-conflict people show a package of four traits: blaming, all-or-nothing thinking, unmanaged emotions, and extreme behaviors.
- Bill estimates about 10% of adults fit this pattern and they consume disproportionate dispute time.
Bring Proposals, Not Past Grievances
- Enter conversations focused on the future and bring concrete proposals rather than rehashing the past.
- Ask for solutions so details steer the talk away from resentment and emotion.
