Here is Step 5 in the SAY YES process:

Step 5: E -Expected Results

I refer to this step as"Asking the Critical Question." The mediator encourages bothpartiesto listen carefully for new information. TheExpected Resultsare frequently a more accuraterepresentation of what the person wants than their listedWANTS. In Step 5, the potential solution may begin to emerge.

The Question: What will be true after you get what you want that isn't true now?

If you selectOption #3, you'll choose one or more persons who are willing to dig deeper into what they want from a conflict situation. Your goal will be to dig deeper than what they say they want and see, if together, you can uncover the deeperINTERESTS. You may return to a partner from a previous practice exercise and revive a conflict topic that you think could benefit from greater insight (on your part and/or their part). The steps you will follow include some "lead-in statements and questions" to set the stage appropriately for Step 5: Utilize the following format:

Introduce the Process to Your Partner

Start by saying the following:

"My goal is for us to come to an agreement to which both parties agree and an outcome with which both parties are pleased. To understand better what you want, I would like to ask each of you some questions for clarification. Would that be okay with you? (Gain the agreement of the two participants). NOTE: While this Step 5 is a part of a mediation process, it can also be used to explore INTERESTS. If you are asking the questions and are a part of the conflict, then you aren't in the role of the mediator but are using the "Critical Question" to hear at a deeper level.

1. Would you identify one more time what you want? (Write down what they want.)
2. Let me take each one of the wants you've identified and ask you about them so that I make sure I'm getting the full picture. (Gain their consent to proceed; then explore each want).
3. What will be true after you get what you "want" that isn't true now? (You may, in various forms, need to repeat this question as you dig to find what is beneath the "want" that has been expressed.
4. Continue to ask the "Critical Question" regarding each "want" until you think you have uncovered the INTERESTS lying beneath the "want."
5. See if you and your partner can come to an agreement that is satisfactory to the two of you.