Conflict Clarity: Understanding the Key Difference Between Interests and Positions
Download MP3Podcast Episode Show Notes / Description
- A good mediator focuses on your interests, not just your positions.
- Your position is often a superficial or generic statement — just what you say you want.
- Your real interests are deeper and tied to emotions, being heard, and how you want to collaborate with others.
- Real interests go beyond logical facts or rigid statements; they reflect what truly matters to you.
- These real interests are often easier to satisfy than the stated positions.
- The other side in a conflict also has real interests that are more human and easier to understand.
- Positions can be a kind of artificial mask or barrier people use, hiding their true interests.
- Understanding interests rather than positions can help resolve conflicts more effectively.
