OPENING THE DOOR TO COLLABORATION

OBJECIIVE

To practice formulating responses that invite collaboration and consider when other approaches might be appropriate.

DIRECTIONS

For each scenario, write a response that is designed to invite collaborative discussion about the problem$-$in other words, a response that you hope will begin a constructive conversation instead of an argument.

Exumple:

Your sister borrows your dothes without asking.

Collaborative response:

"Stephie, I$\text{'}$m frustrated about trying to find something dean to wear for tonight since the clothes I expected to have available are in the laundry. I don't mind sharing my things with you, but we need to talk about how to make this work so l$\text{'}$m not inconvenienced this way."

QUESTIONS

Your boss continually asks you to do work that is not part of your job description. Collaborative response:

Your significant other has been volunteering to work overtime, and it is cutting into spending time together as a couple. Collaborative response:

Your best friend has been making excuses about paying back money that you lent them. Collaborative response:

Members of a group class assignment have not been doing their share of the work. Collaborative response:

A neighbor's dog barking frequently at night is disturbing your sleep.

Collaborative response:

Lastly, answer the following question:

In what situations would avoidance, accommodation, and competition be appropriate, effective, and ethical responses to conflict?