Training Manual > 10 - Groups > Addressing Issues
Addressing Issues
On each substantive agenda item, it is recommended that the following sequence of information be developed:
The Identification of Desired Results, Interests and Intentions
It is recommended that participants be assisted to cumulatively list all of their desired results, interests and intentions on each issue.
Brainstorming Options
Having identified the results, interests and intentions that the group would like to ideally satisfy, the group may then be beneficially assisted to brainstorm all possible ways of satisfying those desires. No possibility should be initially discounted. Once all possibilities are listed, the group can then be asked to respond, with "straw voting," to the various possibilities. Based upon the group discussion, it may be that "a bit" of one option, combined with "a component" of another, and "a dash" of a third will form the best overall synthesized solution. Such integrating work can only take place if all possible solutions are simultaneously presented to the group. Evaluating Options
It may be helpful for the group to try to identify "evaluation criteria" to be applied to the various possible solutions. It is not necessary that the group agree on a single set of criteria; all they really need to agree on are the solutions. Still, it is often the case that participants can be assisted to understand why they might support certain options. Participants will commonly not be willing to move from a "state of disagreement" to a "state of agreement" unless they are able to explain to themselves (and often to significant others or their constituency) why they believe certain solutions to be among the best. Note that it is common that different participants will be attracted to different criteria for selection. It is not necessary that participants agree to the same criteria or "reasons why," only that they all agree to common solutions. It is typical that participants will agree to the same thing for different reasons, and this is perfectly fine. The mediator will need to use his or her discretion as to whether such divergent reasons should be highlighted or finessed.
Memorializing Progress
It is recommended that the mediator summarize all progress made to date following every group meeting. This helps to avoid confusion or backsliding between meetings. The group should be reminded that nothing is "set in stone" until there is a final agreement and encouraged to regularly review the progress made to date for refinement and improvement.
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