Working Together for a Solution
One that everyone can feel good about!
There are two great ways to get to a solution that everyone can agree on, work toward, and begin cooperating again:
1. Negotiation between parties
Meet together and decide to work out the solution between the parties that disagree. Write out possible solutions on a wipe-off board and discuss what might work and why they might not.2. Mediation
Involve a third and neutral party in the negotiations. Finding someone who is not in the conflict can bring about better communication, a better focus on the problem without stepping into other arena's, can work toward a agreeable compromise for each party. This third party can also help with the general follow through after the negotiations have been worked out.
Some tips on the Mediator:
It is the mediator's job to speak with both sides and:
- Ask Questions and find out the core issues
- Find out what the most desirable outcomes might be
- Help find a solution so that it feels like a win/win for everyone
- Guide the parties toward solving their own conflicts, not tell them what to do or how to do it
- Bring people together so that they can cooperate by controlling the situation and the emotions, and pointing out the key points that bring about a better understanding between them