How do you address conflict by identifying interests and needs?

2 Why are interests and needs important?

Identifying interests and needs is important because it helps you to understand the root causes of conflict, and to find more creative and satisfying solutions. By focusing on interests and needs, rather than positions and demands, you can avoid getting stuck in a win-lose or compromise scenario, and instead explore a win-win or integrative approach. A win-win or integrative approach aims to satisfy the interests and needs of both parties, by expanding the options, creating value, and building trust. By identifying interests and needs, you can also communicate more effectively, by expressing your own interests and needs clearly and respectfully, and by listening actively and empathically to the other party's interests and needs.

3 How do you identify interests and needs?

To identify interests and needs, you can use a simple framework called the Interest-Based Relational (IBR) approach. The IBR approach consists of four steps: separate the people from the problem, focus on interests and needs, generate options, and evaluate options. To separate the people from the problem, you need to recognize that conflict is not only about the issue, but also about the emotions, perceptions, and values of the people involved. You need to avoid personal attacks, blame, or judgments, and instead treat the other party as a partner, not an adversary. To focus on interests and needs, you need to ask open-ended questions, such as "Why is this important to you?" or "What are you trying to achieve?" You need to listen carefully and attentively, and paraphrase or summarize what you hear. You need to acknowledge and validate the other party's feelings and concerns, and show that you care about their interests and needs. You also need to express your own interests and needs in a positive and constructive way, using "I" statements, such as "I feel..." or "I need..."

4 How do you generate options?

To generate options, you need to brainstorm possible solutions that can satisfy the interests and needs of both parties. You need to suspend judgment and criticism, and encourage creativity and innovation. You need to think of as many ideas as possible, without evaluating them at this stage. You can use techniques such as mind mapping, lateral thinking, or analogy to stimulate your imagination. You can also ask for input from others who are not involved in the conflict, such as colleagues, friends, or experts. You can also look for examples of how similar conflicts have been resolved in the past, or in other contexts.

5 How do you evaluate options?

To evaluate options, you need to apply criteria that can help you select the best solution. You need to agree on the criteria with the other party, and make sure they are objective, measurable, and realistic. Some common criteria are: feasibility, effectiveness, efficiency, fairness, acceptability, and sustainability. You need to compare the options against the criteria, and rank them according to their strengths and weaknesses. You need to eliminate the options that do not meet the minimum requirements, and narrow down the options to the most promising ones. You need to test the options by asking "What if..." questions, and anticipate the potential consequences and risks of each option. You need to seek feedback and input from others who may be affected by the solution, such as stakeholders, customers, or suppliers. You need to negotiate and finalize the solution with the other party, and make sure both parties are satisfied and committed to the solution.