When dealing with conflicts, it’s really important to understand the difference between interests and positions.

Positions are like demands—what we say we want.

For example, two coworkers might argue about who should get the bigger office. One person really wants the corner office, while the other insists on the office by the window.

But if we take a closer look at their interests, which are the reasons behind those positions, we can find deeper meanings.

Maybe the first coworker wants the corner office because they believe it will help them get noticed and promoted. On the other hand, the second coworker might prefer the window office because it's quieter, allowing them to work better.

If they focus on these interests instead of just their demands, they can come up with more creative solutions.

Imagine if both coworkers worked together to redesign their workspace. They could create a shared office that has a bit of both!

This would make it easier for them to cooperate and shows that they respect each other.

In short, resolving conflicts successfully means looking at interests, not just fighting about positions.

By understanding what each person really needs, they can find solutions that work for everyone, leading to better and friendlier outcomes.