Recently, I wrote about inter-organizational collaboration for the Charlotte, USA – The New Energy Capital blog. The power industry excels in leading initiatives that call upon team work across academic institutions, as well as public and private organizations.

The same tools that I use to help large energy utilities negotiate obstacles in communication can also benefit leadership and communication inside any size organization. Here are a couple to add to your toolbox:

Right vs. Right
Short term vs. long term, established policy vs. first-time factors, truth vs. loyalty: When these and other inevitable quandaries are handled as “right vs. wrong” arguments, it can derail projects and damage relationships.

When you find yourself smack dab in the middle of one of these arguments, a simple yet powerful tool for breaking it down into productive conversation is to acknowledge out loud that this is a “right vs. right dilemma.” Instead of standing toe-to-toe, holding tightly and arguing fiercely for your side, imagine how differently the conversation could go if you were to step side-by-side.

Acknowledge out loud, “We’re in a right vs. right situation. Let’s learn more about each other’s side to find a solution. What are you up against?”

Yes, and…
Have you ever watched Whose Line is It Anyway? One of our best leadership communication and relationship tools comes from an improvisational acting exercise. In the “Yes, and…” exercise, the first person makes a statement and the next person responds with, “Yes, and…”

For example:
Player A: “I got you a new bicycle for your 70th birthday!”
Player B: “Yes, and I can’t wait to try it out. Grab my walker and let’s go down to the park.”
Who knows where the scene goes from there—it’s a solid beginning!

Notice there are two parts:
1. “Yes” is about accepting what the person is offering. Even if it’s something you haven’t encountered before. Even if it’s (at first) a perspective very different than yours.
2. “and…” is about building on it.

For example:
Player A hands Player B an ice cream cone.
Player B takes the cone (Yes) and then just stands there.
Player B is forgetting the “and” part of the equation and the scene doesn’t get very far.

Omitting either part of the equation is considered “blocking.” Blocking also sounds like, “No…”, “But…”, or “Yes, but…”

Right vs. Right and Yes, And are incredibly effective in negotiation and conflict management as well as day-to-day leadership communication. Where are you unknowingly blocking interactions, progress, or common ground? How might your collaboration and team work elevate by consistently applying these two simple techniques?