Lesson 4: Resolution of Team Divergence

Veginots Role Play Outcomes

The veginot role-play has three possible outcomes:

1. Neither party resolves the conflict. During previous role-plays participants focus solely on what they need and why they need the veginot. Although both of Dr. Smith's and Dr. Harper's needs are important and worthy causes, those playing the role never get past what they need to succeed. As a result, both remain locked into their position and neither succeeds. In a GV setting, both cultures have strong, aggressive styles that seek to push their agenda and position ahead of all others
2. One person gives in to the other. One researcher asserts his authority and position over the other to accomplish his needs. This results from one being a stronger individual in terms of presence, personality or negotiation skills. It assumes that one person has to lose for the other to succeed and this is what happens. On a GV team, one culture is more assertive and values the conflict while the other culture does not view conflict in a positive way and gives in to avoid the conflict.
3. The outcome is one of collaboration. While each person is aware of what he needs, each takes the time and effort to clearly determine what the other person needs. In so doing, both discover that one person needs the rinds and the other person needs the seeds. Both parties succeed in their endeavor. In fact, those who successfully reach this aim begin to expend effort on how to best collaborate with each other as partners(i.e. who will approach and negotiate with the farmer, how the cost should be split, etc). Consistently this successful resolution begins with a single question, "What do you need?"

While this scenario was set up with a clear solution that benefitted all sides, life is not always like that. At times not everyone will have a positive outcome. In times like these it is important for all to understand the obstacles associated with the problem and possible positive and negative outcomes. However, having a willingness to examine what needs to be done and how to reach the best outcome possible to move the team's goals forward is an important step in resolving disagreements and conflicts.