conflict-resolution-diagram

Conflict Resolution Diagram

Overview

Category: Problem Solving

A tool designed to help resolve conflicts by finding win-win solutions while ensuring the needs of both sides are met. Developed as part of the Theory of Constraints by Eliyahu Goldratt.

How to Use

When to Use

• When facing a seemingly impossible conflict
• Professional or personal conflicts
• Internal or external disagreements

Steps

1. Identify demands/proposals of opposing sides
2. Define underlying needs behind each position
3. Find the shared goal

Diagram Structure

• Demands/proposals (mutually exclusive)
• Underlying needs/requirements
• Shared goal/objective

Process

• Work backwards (right to left)
• Ask key questions:
  • What does each side want?
  • What needs are satisfied by each proposal?
  • What higher-level objective unites both sides?

Example Scenario

Context: Debating website redesign with a colleague

Initial Positions:

• Colleague: Wants to redesign website
• You: Against the project

Needs Discovered:

• Colleague: Improve conversion rate
• You: Minimize resource waste

Shared Goal: Run a profitable business

Resolution: Conduct small, targeted website experiments to improve conversion without extensive resources

Additional Resources

• Template Worksheet Available
• Sources:
  • "The Logical Thinking Process" by H. William Dettmer
  • Forte Labs Blog article on Logical Thinking Process

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Source: https://untools.co/conflict-resolution-diagram/