Negotiation & resolving disagreements

Work through differing needs or positions to reach a workable way forward.

Why it matters

Identifying different needs can help people find a workable way forward without pretending differences have disappeared. A useful agreement takes those needs seriously and makes the next step clear to the people involved.

What this can look like

• identifies the needs behind differing positions
• looks for common ground without ignoring differences
• agrees a workable next step even where some differences remain

Youth relevance

Young people may disagree over roles in a group assignment, priorities for a youth initiative or use of a shared space. Exploring the needs behind those positions can help them reach a practical agreement while acknowledging remaining differences.

Ways young people can practise this skill

• agree responsibilities when group members have different preferences
• discuss competing priorities in a shared project
• help find a workable next step when views differ in a youth group

Connected themes

• Main theme · Collaboration & teamwork
• Communication
• Inclusion & diversity