Conflict Resolution

Input: $ARGUMENTS

Step 1: Identify the Parties and Positions

Who is in conflict, and what is each side saying they want?

PARTIES:
- PARTY A: [who] — POSITION: [what they say they want]
- PARTY B: [who] — POSITION: [what they say they want]
(add more parties if needed)

APPARENT CONFLICT: [one sentence — what seems incompatible]

Step 2: Uncover Underlying Interests

Positions are what people say they want. Interests are why they want it. The resolution lives in the interests, not the positions.

For each party, ask: “Why do they want that? What need does it serve?”

PARTY A:
- Position: [what they say]
- Interest 1: [underlying need — e.g., security, recognition, autonomy, fairness]
- Interest 2: [underlying need]
- Fear: [what they're afraid will happen if they don't get their way]

PARTY B:
- Position: [what they say]
- Interest 1: [underlying need]
- Interest 2: [underlying need]
- Fear: [what they're afraid will happen if they don't get their way]

Step 3: Find Shared Interests

Where do the underlying interests overlap? This is the foundation for resolution.

SHARED INTERESTS:
1. [interest both parties actually share]
2. [interest both parties actually share]
...

COMPATIBLE INTERESTS:
1. [interest of A that doesn't conflict with B's interests]
2. [interest of B that doesn't conflict with A's interests]
...

GENUINELY INCOMPATIBLE:
1. [interest that truly cannot be satisfied for both — if any]

Step 4: Generate Options

Create 3-5 options that serve the shared and compatible interests. Do not evaluate yet — just generate.

Rules:

• Each option must address at least one interest from each party
• Include at least one option that neither party has proposed (expand the pie)
• Include at least one option that involves a trade (you get X, I get Y)

OPTIONS:
1. [option] — serves A's interest in [X] and B's interest in [Y]
2. [option] — serves A's interest in [X] and B's interest in [Y]
3. [option] — serves A's interest in [X] and B's interest in [Y]
4. [option] — creative/expanded option
5. [option] — trade-based option

Step 5: Evaluate Options

Score each option on fairness and durability.

• Fairness (1-5): Does this feel equitable to both sides?
• Durability (1-5): Will this hold over time, or will resentment build?

Step 6: Propose Resolution

RECOMMENDED RESOLUTION:

[The best option, stated clearly]

WHY THIS WORKS:
- For A: [how it addresses their core interest]
- For B: [how it addresses their core interest]
- Shared: [how it builds on common ground]

WHAT EACH SIDE GIVES UP:
- A gives up: [what]
- B gives up: [what]

IMPLEMENTATION:
1. [first concrete step]
2. [next step]
3. [how to check if it's working]

Step 7: Failure Planning

IF RESOLUTION FAILS:
- SIGNAL: [how you'll know it isn't working]
- FALLBACK: [what to do next — escalation, mediation, separation, etc.]
- PREVENTION: [what both parties can do to avoid this conflict recurring]

Integration

Use with:

• /deb -> When the conflict is about a factual or values disagreement that needs structured debate
• /col -> When the resolution requires redesigning how the parties work together
• /gu -> When a party’s real goal is unclear and needs exploration
• /aex -> When assumptions about the other party’s motives need testing