No-Lose Method of Conflict Resolution: Guidelines for the 6 Steps

No-Lose Method of Conflict Resolution

Guidelines for the Six Steps

The No-lose Method produces a solution that brings mutual need satisfaction. It is acceptable to everyone, so nobody feels a loser.

Universal Win-Win Approach to Conflict Resolution

Divide problems into as many parts as possible and necessary to provide an adequate solution.

René Descartes

Guidelines for the Six Steps of the No-Lose Method

Only those people directly involved in the conflict should be included in the problem-solving.

① Identifying and Defining the Problem

▪ your statement of the problem should be expressed in a way that does not communicate blame or judgment;

▪ ask the other to state s/his position and to get s/his feelings out, else s/he wont be ready for the remaining steps; use active listening if the other initially gets angry or defensive;

▪ try to understand each other's feelings, listen to emotions;

▪ define the problem in terms of conflicting needs, not conflicting solutions;

▪ be sure both of you accept the definition of the problem.

② Generating Alternative Solutions

▪ discuss to understand perceptions and assumptions;

▪ be creative in generating possible solutions, ask 'Why? What If?' questions, waltz up with 'What If' scenarios;

▪ suspend judgment, discourage evaluation until a number of possible solutions is proposed;

▪ if things bog down, state the problem again.

③ Evaluating the Alternative Solutions

▪ take special care that both you and other are honest;

▪ use effective techniques for fast assessment of innovative solutions, such as the 80/20 Rule and Weighted Guiding Principles (WGP)

▪ use empathy and active listening;

▪ if disagree, use the yes-but formula;

▪ test solutions carefully, or you increase the chance of ending up with a poor solution.

Creative Challenges

4 Types of Problems

Problem Solving

4 Levels of Problem Solving

Holistic Creativity

6 Steps of Problem Solving Process

④ Decision-Making

▪ don't make the mistake of trying to persuade or push a solution on the other – mutual benefit-based commitment to the solution is essential for its successful implementation;

▪ when you are close to a decision, state the solution and request the other party to do the same in their own words to make certain you both understand what you are about to decide.

⑤ Implementing the Solution

▪ immediately after a solution has been agreed upon, discuss its implementation in 6Ws terms: why, who, what, when, where how;

▪ show complete trust that the other will faithfully carry out the decision; don't talk about penalties for failure to implement a solution at this time;

▪ don't delay too long before confronting the other in case s/he fails to carry out tasks.

⑥ Follow-up Evaluation of the Solution

▪ after a while, ask how the other feels now about the solution;

▪ have an understanding that decisions are always open for revision, but neither of you can unilaterally modify a decision.

Problem Solving: 6 Step Process

The No-Lose Method for resolving conflicts between people is just a special application of the conventional approach to problem solving, that involves six separate steps... More

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