mr blue eyes (that should be a song...maybe i should write it)

The Mediator's Toolchest

Okay, well, before we get started, you should know that there are five different styles of conflict. My Shaolin Temple style defeats your Monkey Style.

Okay, the first style is "lose-lose".

If we do lose-lose, neither of you gets what you want. You-you would both lose. Now, I need to ask you, do you want to pursue a lose-lose negotiation?

Win-win, is number four, and number five is win-win-win. The important difference here is with win-win-win, we all win. Me too. I win for having successfully mediated a conflict on my blog.

Now, one at a time, I want you to express your feelings using "I" emotion language and no judging, or "you" statements.

Let's see if we can't just brainstorm and find some creative alternatives that are win-win.

Brainstorm. Own the solution.

It is done!