Discussion Thread: Navigating a Difficult Conversation

Student Name

School of Business, Liberty University

BUSI 653: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Professor: Bowen

January 25, 2024

Discussion Thread: Navigating a Difficult Conversation

After completing this week’s readings and watching the two videos, answer the following questions.

1. Put yourself in the place of Melanie (the boss) at the end of the Navigating Difficult Conversations video. State how you would begin the conversation with Matt (the employee).  Why did you start begin your conversation this way?  How do you believe Matt would respond?

2. Describe distributive bargaining. Put yourself in the place of Melanie or Matt (state which person you selected in your post).  How would you use distributive bargaining to influence the other person’s viewpoint?  Hint: influence the other person’s beliefs on what is possible and gain knowledge about the other person’s position.

3. How does Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses use distributive bargaining? Hint: How does Jethro influence the Moses’ beliefs on what is possible and how does Jethro gain knowledge about the Moses’ responsibilities/position?

Mandatory Reading and 2 Videos

Read: Grenny, Patterson, McMillan, Switzler, & Gregory: Chapters 3 – 4

Read: Lewicki, Saunders, & Barry: Chapter 2

Read: Exodus 18: 13-27

Navigating Difficult Conversations Webinar:

https://youtu.be/nU3-Wo86RDE?si=Gc-qGmoqqHcIyGK3

How Do I Start a Crucial Conversation?

https://youtu.be/V7c5nh5OSc8?si=GzOUOmpGS4gX3T6G

References

Grenny, J., Patterson, K., McMillan, R., Switzler, A., & Gregory, E. (2022). Crucial

conversation: Tools for talking when stakes are high (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw Hill.

King James Bible. (2024).
King James Bible Online. (Originally published 1769).

https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Corinthians-Chapter-10/#24

Lewicki, R., Saunders, D., & Barry, B. (2021). Essentials of negotiation (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.