Interest-based resolution

Interest-based resolution uses 4 specific steps to transform team conflicts into opportunities:

• First, identify the position statements: what each party says they want. A designer might say "We need more whitespace," while a marketing manager argues "We need more content above the fold."
• Second, probe beneath these positions with questions like "What concerns would this solve?" and "How would this impact your goals?"
• The third step involves mapping interests on a shared board or document. For each position, list 2-3 underlying interests. The designer's whitespace advocacy might reveal interests in reduced cognitive load and brand perception, while the marketing manager's content push connects to conversion rates and information accessibility. This visual mapping helps identify overlapping interests.
• Finally, brainstorm solutions that address the mapped interests rather than the original positions. Teams might discover that restructuring content hierarchy or using progressive disclosure could satisfy both cognitive load and conversion goals. Document each proposed solution and evaluate it against the identified interests.