Motto: "Let's find a solution that works for all of us."
Sometimes called a 'win/win' strategy, the collaborating style strives to make sure that both sides are satisfied. It requires an open discussion of all the issues and concerns, exploration of alternative solutions, and honesty and commitment from all the parties. To be successful, the collaborating style participants need to be able to surface concerns in a non-threatening way and think imaginatively.
Be sure you understand the difference between a compromising style and a collaborating style: compromising is 'horse-trading', giving up things you want in the hopes that the other side will do the same and that you can live with the outcome. In a collaboration, both sides are trying to find a solution which truly satisfies the needs of each.
The collaborating style is an excellent way to merge insights from people with different perspectives on a problem, and the result can be a strong commitment to the solution from each side.
The downside of the collaborating style is that it is hard to do! It requires close attention to the issues at hand (concerns, not just positions) and to the emotional state of the other side.
