1 Why collaborate?

Collaboration is not only a more constructive and respectful way of dealing with differences, but also a more effective and efficient one. When you collaborate, you tap into the collective wisdom and creativity of all the parties involved, and you increase the chances of finding a solution that meets everyone's needs and goals. Collaboration also builds trust and rapport, which can enhance your relationships and communication in the long run.

2 How to prepare?

Before you start collaborating, you need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. This means adopting a positive and open mindset, where you see the problem as a shared challenge, not a personal attack. You also need to empathize with the other person's perspective, and try to understand their needs, feelings, and motivations. You can do this by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and acknowledging their concerns. Finally, you need to clarify your own needs, interests, and goals, and be ready to communicate them clearly and respectfully.

3 How to brainstorm?

Once you have established a common ground and a positive atmosphere, you can start brainstorming possible solutions together. The key to effective brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible, without judging or criticizing them. You can use techniques such as mind mapping, free association, or reverse brainstorming to stimulate your creativity and explore different angles. You can also invite feedback and suggestions from the other person, and build on each other's ideas.

4 How to evaluate?

After you have a list of potential solutions, you need to evaluate them based on their feasibility, desirability, and suitability. You can use criteria such as cost, time, resources, impact, and alignment with your goals and values to compare and rank the solutions. You can also use tools such as pros and cons lists, SWOT analysis, or decision matrices to help you organize and analyze the information. The aim is to find the solution that best meets the needs and interests of both parties, and that has the least negative consequences.

5 How to implement?

The final step of collaborative problem-solving is to implement the agreed-upon solution. This involves creating an action plan that specifies who will do what, when, where, and how. You also need to establish how you will monitor the progress and outcomes of the solution, and how you will handle any potential issues or changes that may arise. You can use SMART goals, checklists, or timelines to help you track and measure the results. You also need to communicate regularly with the other person, and provide feedback and support as needed.

6 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?