Seven Steps of the Collaborative Approach

A team of officers works together to manually move a Humvee as part of a MuleSkinner Avalanche Challenge

The collaborative approach is the best way to create a lasting resolution to a conflict that may have long-term consequences if the two parties cannot work together in the long run. There are seven steps for using the collaborative approach successfully.

  1. Identify the stated source of conflict
  2. Identify the root causes of conflict
  3. Gain acceptance from the other side
  4. Frame the conflict more positively
  5. Generate ideas on how to resolve the conflict
  6. Appraise potential solutions to the conflict
  7. Work toward a solution with the other side