Problem-Solving Skills: Working/Not Working
Purpose
Analyzes an issue/situation across multiple perspectives. Provides a picture of how things are right now.
As a negotiation tool it helps meet three of the core elements of negotiation:
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All must feel listened to – their perspectives accurately reflected
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– Start with common ground; – where there is agreement
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– Work in partnership
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Done well it reflects current reality
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– Start with common ground; – where there is agreement
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– Work in partnership
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It helps “peel the onion”
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– Gives opportunities to ask the question behind the question
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– Dig deeper to find more meaningful information
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It serves as a bridge to action planning by helping the user learn
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– What needs to be maintained/enhanced?
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– What needs to change?
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Instructions
This tool works best when it is focused; select one specific issue/scenario or part of a person’s life to discuss within the working/not working grid.
Tips:
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Make sure that all of the people who represent the key perspectives are present
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To learn and effectively represent the person’s perspective talk to the person before the meeting.
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Make it easy for people to write up their perspectives, post 2 sheets of pre-labeled (working, make sense, the up side/not working doesn’t make sense the down side) flips chart pages per perspective
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Once everyone has completed their pages review what everyone has written with the group and talk about what the possible next steps would be