Discuss what you would do to respond to the following situations: a. You and the other party are "stuck" on two apparently incompatible proposals for resolving your conflict

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Sometimes, the parties argue over solutions before they have clearly defined the problem. They should come to realize how locking into a few narrow, self-serving solutions do not serve this goal. They should revisit the problem and their overall goal in seeking resolution. They can then brainstorm the full range of possible solutions to identify a third alternative that will satisfy all parties.

b. You have offered numerous proposals for resolving a dispute, which the other party rejects. The other party offers no proposals of his own.
Answer: A party may not wish to take ownership of a proposed agreement. He may behave this way due to fear, a lack of motivation, or a feeling that his input is not valued. If you are formulating ideas, ask how the other party would solve a particular problem, draft a particular sentence, or go about accomplishing a particular task. If you have contributed the bulk of the proposals, step back and ask the party to offer constructive criticism. What does he like? What would he add or take away? If you sense the person has reservations because he feels you are imposing an agreement on him rather than inviting his participation, seek to identify why he feels that way. Ask if there is anything you have done that causes him to question your input or doubt that the agreement is fair. If so, apologize and return to a relationship of mutual problem solving.

c. The other party seems excessively worried about the agreement you have reached and is unsure he can achieve the commitments made.
Answer: While remaining supportive, help the party do a reality check. On one hand, help him visualize a world without an agreement. Will that world be better or worse than the new world you are creating? The agreement will likely create a better world. Otherwise, why would the party continue to negotiate since he is working against his BATNA? On the other hand, ask him to consider the worst that could happen. Perhaps he feels you will betray him. Perhaps he feels inadequate in some way. Reaffirm the trust you have built in your relationship and how unlikely such doomsday scenarios are