The first in our “Masters” series of conflict management tools, the REAL Dialogue Preparation Tool is a step-by-step guide to helping you do the thinking necessary to prepare well for navigation, negotiation, or a resolution discussion that will fully address what matters to you in a way that satisfies your long term interests.
How Does it Work?
This is a summary sheet of that thinking: that is to say, this “format” below is a ‘writing’ process that concludes the process of thinking about the questions the tool poses. Do NOT rush through this (especially the first few times – it does take some time to become accustomed to thinking in this way).
For an easily printable .pdf version that you can save for use later (or with your dialogue partner!) use the following download:
An essential tool in the REAL easy series, this .pdf is a guide and template to print to help support preparation for a dialogue aimed at resolving any conflict. Answering the questions will prompt you to prepare and equip yourself for negotiation.
Price: $0.00
Why is this helpful?
The “Prep Tool” is beneficial because it will help you step back from any narrow or closed-minded thoughts that your emotional brain tends to lead you to. Conflict navigation is much easier when you prepare for it by knowing where you’re going and what your interests are in getting there. What are the values that draw you forward or that will be barriers to your progress? What are the interests and values for the others who may be impacted?
For example, if you wish to use the computer on a certain night and time, a narrow thought is, “I want to use it, I deserve to use it, I feel entitled to use it”… while these things may be both valid and true, if the computer time is in any way controversial or you’ve had previous discussions around it that have been adversarial, you (or your discussion partner) may not get very far without seeing the discussion escalate into an emotional and/or “right-fighting” battle which can get really ugly, really fast. Ugh!
A few things to remember:
While every dispute is as unique as the people involved, there are common elements to every conflict and common elements to how they are resolved.
The Prep Tool is easy to use to prepare for resolution – answering the questions thoughtfully will prompt you to think though what is critical to prepare proactively.
Try it… and, if you’re ready for support, or want to provide feedback, please go to our contact page to get in touch.