Handle disagreement or take a pause · S14.5

Agree on the problem before proposing a solution

You and another person are discussing different parts of the same issue.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Ask each person to state the practical problem they want addressed.
2. Summarize the concerns and identify whether there is a shared problem to solve.
3. Choose one next step together, or clarify where your aims differ.

An example

One of us needs advance notice; the other needs flexibility. We can agree which changes require a message.

Reflect

Were both concerns represented in the proposed step?

Next time

Review the arrangement after a real example.