Compromise

Sometimes, the idea of compromise feels uncomfortable. Traditionally, it represents the idea of making concession, giving part of something very important away to soothe or please others. In a true community, compromise can be the blending of needs and ideas. With respect, energy, patience and creativity it can exceed, not supplant ideas.   C     Clarify the ideas of all participants O     Optimize the options by brainstorming M     Map out the pieces that are easy to accomplish P     Prepare a list of the more difficult pieces R     Renegotiate to be certain ideas are vital and valued O     Openly discuss the barriers and ethical issues M     Move ³outside² of the box to look for ³encompassing² solutions I     Investigate alternatives for meeting barriers S     Sleep on it -- provide additional time for intuitive strategies to evolve E     Evaluate solutions for effectiveness

1. Have a round-robin to let each person describe and define the problem or issues
   • Goals - sort out the relevant issues
   • Look for and discuss basic assumptions

2. Encourage alternate points of view and look for and value ³Outside the Box² perspectives
   • Allow time for input from each member of the group
   • Move beyond verbal discussions to diagrams of perspectives

3. Think ³around² the issues systematically
   • Encourage thinking outloud
   • Ask ³What would happen if. . .²
   • Keep a list of suggestions
   • Use a Venn diagram to illustrate ideas
   • Develop flow charts to view logic of ideas
   • Use analogies or metaphors to illustrate relationships
   • Try working backwards - from solution to individual action steps

Preset: Pass 1 can to each student. The cans are to be decorated as a human or animal face in any manner desired.

Development:
In som ways, compromise may sound like a diappointment. After all, when two people cannot agree we often suggest that each make concessions until both can reach middle ground. A better way of thinking about compromise resembles a totem pole. As each person makes a contribution, something wonderful emerges - more special than any one contribution on its own.

Activity:

1. Get in groups and review group skills
   1. Ground rules
   2. Guidelines
   3. Convening and planning
2. Convene the group
3. Assemble the cans to make a totem pole using group skills.
   Note the complexity of the finished project.
4. As a group, discuss the conflict resolution guidelines
5. Write a paragraph discussion how conflict resolution will work.

Address:

1. What will be the most difficult for you, personally
2. How you will develop the strength to work at resolution
3. How will this be utilized in personal relationships
4. If you need support, where will you get it?
5. What is the difference between support and gossip?

Summary:

Have an art showing of the class Totem Pole
Discuss the merits of group work.
Debrief the inital group work.
Make two suggestions for improving group work to be tried at the next group session.

Go back to Lesson 2

E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu

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