CF Dictionary · Theory of Constraints Terms
Resolving Conflict (vs. Compromise)
ToC's preference for finding win/win solutions that resolve a conflict, rather than compromise between bad options.
Resolving conflict is ToC's term for finding a solution that both sides accept because the underlying false assumption is removed. The opposite is compromising, where each side loses something.
Why CF prefers resolution
- Compromise is local-optimum thinking. Each side optimises within the wrong frame.
- Resolution finds the silver-bullet. The false assumption is the bullet's target.
- Resolution is more durable. No one feels they lost.
The resolution process
- Identify what each side actually needs (not what they're asking for).
- Identify the false assumption that makes the needs seem incompatible.
- Challenge the assumption. Is it actually true?
- Find a way to make it false. Often a small change.
- Both sides get what they need.
Where resolution is hard
- Status quo is entrenched. The false assumption has been there forever.
- Identity is tied to position. "I'm the kind of person who wants X."
- Incentives are misaligned. Removing the assumption doesn't help either party's incentives.
- Emotions are running hot.
"Resolving problems instead of compromising." — criticalfallibilism.com