Diverging Views: Finding Win-Win Solutions - Essay Sample

Introduction

The result of having divergent viewpoints can lead to the creation of new ideas but can also lead to the destruction of a potential relationship. When two individuals have opposing opinions on an issue, they often fail to create a long-lasting solution from their divergent views. The outcome is always a stalemate. However, the two individuals can also find a solution through a win-win negotiation. A win-win negotiation can only be achieved by paying attention to the interests that drive your opponent's position (Cohen, 2012).

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Smith Family's Positions

Positions are statements of where an individual stands. In this context, the Smith family takes their positions because they meet or satisfy their interests. They believe that fertilizer is healthier for the environment. The fertilizer is natural and probably the cause of Smith's family to say the fertilizer is friendly to the environment. Positions can be negotiated, though emphasizing areas solely can lead to the interests at hand being unaddressed. Smith and Doe should seek a mediator to facilitate their negotiation.

Moreover, the mediator should not offer opinions related to the dispute between the two families (Mitchell, 2017). For instance, the mediator should ask Smith family why he decided to use that type of fertilizer. The question will enable him to communicate his ideas for using the fertilizer. Smith's family also believes that the fertilizer is safe and effective. The mediator should use closed-ended questions to control the process of negotiation. By asking Smith's family a question like, "did, you notice the odor of the fertilizer narrows" the responses enable the mediator to speak up and take the negotiation to a different level (Lehman and Page, 2013). Probing questions encourages individuals to reveal essential information and feelings. It enables individuals to provide more in-depth responses.

Smith Family's Interests

Interests are the needs and desires behind negotiation positions. Negotiation facilitates the satisfaction of interests. By depending on interests, Smith family can notice the essential value in a negotiated situation than by focusing on jobs (Cohen, 2012). Negotiations based on interests enables individuals to enhance their relationship. Smith's family argues that the fertilizer is better for their produce. The fertilizer increases the produce, which makes Smith sustain his family. Focusing on interests enables individuals to acquire win-win solutions to challenges that are not solved when issues are tackled in terms of positions. Smith's family uses the fertilizer because it increases yield, which he can later use to satisfy the desires of his family. Human needs and wants are thought to be compelling interests. Smith's family also says the fertilizer is less wasteful. If a mediator is allowed to lead the negotiation between Smith families and Does family, he ought to ask open-ended questions to get a clear response on the issue (Lehman &Page, 2013).

Doe Family's Positions

The use of negotiation positions makes individuals fail to get a permanent solution to their conflicts (Cohen, 2012). Some positions can be a result of jealousy or selfishness, depending on the situation. Most parties in conflict do not consider the views of their opponents. Doe family children have headaches and respiratory problems as a result of the fertilizer used by the Smith family. They complain that the composites toxic and have contaminated the stream that runs through their property. They also say that the fertilizer has also created a layer of contamination on their building and property. For Smith family and Doe family to solve their dispute, they ought to have a collaborative relationship (Bernstein & Ablon, 2011) They should take turns to work towards a clear definition of their conflicts and later negotiate and solve their problems. The two families should have a proactive conversation to develop an approach to resolve their dispute (Bernstein & Ablon, 2011). A mediator is equally essential in this situation to guide collaborative argument solving. The mediator should use open-ended questions and probing to get in-depth responses to the positions of the two families.

Doe Family's Interests

Individuals focusing on their positions can make them be entrapped (Cohen, 2012). Affairs are essential tools during negotiations since, mostly, they lead to a win-win solution. Doe family suggests that the Smith family should use a different fertilizer. It is a clear indication that interest-based negotiations emphasize the essence of relationships. Doe family suggests using a different fertilizer for the two families to reach a mutually acceptable solution, where both families will benefit. Interest-based negotiation leads to the building of credibility between the two families hence the development of a good relationship (Lehman & Page, 2017). When solving a disagreement, the two families should put themselves in the shoes of each other and weigh the benefits and the demerits. If the benefits of one party are abundant than the adverse effects, then the negotiation should be emphasized depending on the advantages. Doe family should cautiously put themselves in place of Smith's family and focus on how their needs can be addressed if the fertilizer is not in use. They should, therefore, carry each other's burden for them to come up with a suitable solution.

Conclusion

Negotiations should always lead to a win-win solution. One party should not benefit by taking advantage of the other. Mediation should be based on interests since interest-based negotiations focus on the importance of relationship where both individuals benefit. Solving disputes based on positions does not lead to a permanent solution, and hence interest-based negotiations are highly encouraged. A mediator should get in-depth responses by using probing questions, and his or her items should not be biased. During negotiations, the mediator should not favor one party but rather be neutral to ensure conflicts are solved without fear or favor.

References

Ablon, S., & Bernstein, S. (2011). Collaborative problem solving: A practical approach for managing conflict in the workplace. Manuscript submitted for publication. Retrieved from https://www.mediate.com/articles/BernsteinS1.cfm

Cohen, S. P. (2012). Can pets function as family members?. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(6), 621-638. Retrieved from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/nrp/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign

Lehman, P., & Page, N. R. (2017). Enhancing Mediator Neutrality through Question-Asking. Mediate. Com. Retrieved from https://www.mediate.com/articles/pageLehman.cfm

Mitchell, B. A. (2017). Family matters: An introduction to family sociology in Canada. Canadian Scholars' Press. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Family-Matters-Introduction-Sociology-Canada/dp/1773380214