Win-Win (Collaborating)
Also known as problem confronting or problem solving. Collaboration involves an attempt to work with the other person to find a win-win solution to the problem in hand - the one that most satisfies the concerns of both parties. The win-win approach sees conflict resolution as an opportunity to come to a mutually beneficial result. It includes identifying the underlying concerns of the opponents and finding an alternative which meets each party's concerns.
Examples of when collaborating may be appropriate:
When consensus and commitment of other parties is important
In a collaborative environment
When it is required to address the interests of multiple stakeholders
When a high level of trust is present
When a long-term relationship is important
When you need to work through hard feelings, animosity, etc
When you don't want to have full responsibility
Possible advantages of collaborating:
Leads to solving the actual problem
Leads to a win-win outcome
Reinforces mutual trust and respect
Builds a foundation for effective collaboration in the future
Shared responsibility of the outcome
You earn the reputation of a good negotiator
For parties involved, the outcome of the conflict resolution is less stressful (however, the process of finding and establishing a win-win solution may be very involed – see the caveats below). Therefore, it is important to understand (and apply) various conflict resolution techniques.