Mountain Desert District

Unitarian Universalist Association

BREAKING IMPASSES

Impasse: A real or perceived inability to reach agreement on a particular issue. Each side has the power to keep a decision from being made or has the power to sabotage the implementation of the solution.

The tactic for breaking an impasse depends upon the dynamics of the impasse. Referring to the circle of conflict, let’s look at some strategies for breaking a real or perceived impasse. An impasse may contain pieces of several of the elements of a conflict.

Relationship Problems:

1. Allowing people to be heard and acknowledged. Use of active listening skills
2. Separate present feelings from restimulated feelings
3. Ground rules for discussion (i.e. no toxic language, speak for yourself )
4. Separate the person from the problem

Values Conflicts:

1. Acknowledge that there is a values dispute
2. Agree to disagree
3. Look for a higher common value
4. Try to define values in terms of interests

Information (Data) Problems:

1. Agree on what data is needed
2. Agree on a process for obtaining the data
3. Agree on how the data will be evaluated

Structural Problems:

1. Identify the structural problem
2. Look for common ways to address the structural conflicts

Addressing Interests:

1. Identify all the interests procedural, psychological, and substantive
2. Look for trade-off in interests
3. Look for agreements in principle
4. Prioritize interests

Other Strategies:

1. Identify if your resistance is personal or for reasons of principle
2. Stand aside
3. Write a minority opinion

« Back to Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder Home Page

« Back to Archives Page