How can you use conflict resolution to negotiate a better work schedule?

1 Identify your needs and goals

Before you start negotiating, you need to have a clear idea of what you want and why you want it. What are your reasons for requesting a different work schedule? How would it benefit you and your work performance? What are your priorities and preferences? What are your non-negotiables and trade-offs? By identifying your needs and goals, you can prepare yourself for the negotiation and communicate them effectively.

2 Understand the other party's perspective

The next step is to try to understand the other party's perspective. Why might they be reluctant or resistant to your request? What are their needs and goals? What are their concerns and challenges? What are their expectations and preferences? By empathizing with the other party, you can avoid assumptions and judgments, and show respect and interest. You can also identify potential areas of agreement and disagreement, and anticipate possible objections or questions.

3 Choose an appropriate time and place

The third step is to choose an appropriate time and place for the negotiation. You want to avoid scheduling the negotiation when either party is busy, stressed, tired, or distracted. You also want to choose a neutral and comfortable location that allows for privacy and dialogue. By choosing an appropriate time and place, you can reduce the risk of interruptions, distractions, and tensions, and create a positive and productive atmosphere.

4 Use collaborative communication

The fourth step is to use collaborative communication during the negotiation. You want to avoid using aggressive, defensive, or passive communication styles that can damage the relationship and escalate the conflict. Instead, you want to use assertive communication that expresses your needs and goals clearly, respectfully, and confidently. You also want to use active listening that shows attention, understanding, and feedback. By using collaborative communication, you can build rapport and trust, and facilitate problem-solving.

5 Generate and evaluate options

The fifth step is to generate and evaluate options for the work schedule. You want to avoid sticking to a single or fixed option that can limit the possibilities and create a win-lose situation. Instead, you want to brainstorm multiple and flexible options that can meet the needs and goals of both parties. You also want to evaluate the options based on their feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. By generating and evaluating options, you can expand the choices and create a win-win situation.

6 Reach and implement an agreement

The final step is to reach and implement an agreement on the work schedule. You want to avoid leaving the agreement vague, verbal, or informal that can cause confusion, misunderstanding, or reneging. Instead, you want to make the agreement specific, written, and formal that clarifies the terms, responsibilities, and expectations. You also want to follow up and monitor the agreement to ensure its compliance, satisfaction, and outcomes. By reaching and implementing an agreement, you can finalize the negotiation and achieve your desired work schedule.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?