week 6 conversat

Part 1: The Conversation

· Briefly, describe the conversation and your initial understanding of how it went.  (No citations needed)

 Part 2: Academic Analysis of the Discussion  (Cite liberally in this section – all 4 methods must be defined before, or as part of, the answer)

· Which of the four methods of decision-making was used?  

· Do you believe that the one you selected was the appropriate method for the situation? If yes, why? If no, why not?  

· Which method do you think would have been more appropriate? Why?

· Which method do you use most often when a decision needs to be made and why?

· How might using a different method benefit you?

· Which method would you try and why?

Other Guidelines for Initial Discussion Board Posts (please note!):

· Include a Reference page at the end of the post

· The Crucial Conversations text is a required resource and is the only one that is absolutely required. Please feel free to include your other texts or relevant academic resources to enhance your post and encourage discussion.

· Cite the experts frequently in every section unless otherwise noted.

· Remember, this is an academic discussion; please ensure you are pulling in the Crucial Conversations text at every turn to support all assertions.  Part I does not require citations, however Part II needs robust citations to support your understanding of the text.  

· Part I can be any length.  Part II must contain at least 200 words in length of substance. 

· Use APA citation and reference format to properly credit your supporting material.

· IMPORTANT : This is a “define and describe” assignment which means define all relevant terms and issues and then describe them in terms of your conversation.  Even if the element was not used in your conversation, it should still be defined from the perspective of the text (and cited).  

This week you will focus on developing a BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement).  Forms of resistance will be explored as well as methods of non-verbal engagement.  Finally, Crucial Conversation skills will be address by examining decision making models.  

Learning Objectives

After completing this week's activities you will be able to:

· Evaluate different decision-making methods.

· Develop a BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement).

· Assess the different methods of engagement.

· Identify and evaluate conflict resolution tactics.

Readings and Resources

Textbook Readings

· Block, P. (2011). Flawless Consulting: A guide to getting your expertise used. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.

· Read pp. 229-278

· Patterson, K., Grenny, J., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2002). Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

· Read pp. 177-187

· Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (2011). Getting to Yes: Negotiating agreement without giving in. New York, NY: Penguin Books.

· Read pp. 99-108

Media

· TED.com,  William Ury, The walk from "no" to "yes" (Links to an external site.)

· Time: 18:45