Suppose two regional sales reps share responsibility for sending weekly updates to their manager. Brad always submits them on time, but Frank often turns them in late. Saying, Frank, youve turned in the sales reports late again would only put Frank on the defensive. Instead, Brad opens the conversation this way: Frank, you and I place a different value on deadlines. I want to explain why meeting them is important to me, and then Id like to hear your take on them. Brad learns that Frank, when faced with the choice of possibly making a sale or compiling the report, thinks he should focus on the sale. With this insight, Brad proposes another way to share responsibilities: Brad will complete the report when its Franks turn to do so, as long as Frank gives Brad two hours notice and a share in any commission Frank earns as a result of being able to continue pursuing a lead.

How do these two employees see the problem differently?

How did Brad adopt the learning stance?

What additional strategies could Brad adopt to mediate this conflict?

How effective do you think (use your informed opinion and critical analysis) Brads strategy will be?