MOVING FROM STALEMATE TO COMPROMISE

Many conflicts end with the statement, “no further negotiation is possible.” This happens with political and interpersonal conflicts when parties want to disengage.

But how do mediators deal with individuals who refuse to negotiate since they cannot force them to do so? Fortunately, there are things they can do in either situation to help bring conflicting parties to the table even when accepting there are issues some simply aren’t willing to compromise on.

For example, with couples it can be the issue of child custody. In politics, it can relate to spending or border policy. When dealing with those committed to not compromising on such topics, then the next step is to ask, “What issues are you willing to negotiate?”

When parties refuse to negotiate they are in effect devaluing the relationship. Encouraging parties to continue discussions on any other issue potentially rebuilds some respect for one another.

In my own experience, while working with two businesses that refused to continue negotiations over the use of outdoor dining, I asked what were they willing to discuss. One owner mentioned parking issues and they spent a productive hour coming up with ways to address mutual concerns and after were willing to return to the outdoor dining disagreement once they recognized they could work together.