Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/using-the-three-choice-model-how-to-help-your-staff-cope-with-conflict/5011383/
Directors and staff often find that dealing with conflict takes up a lot of time, without necessarily solving the problem. Here is one tool you can use to help resolve conflicts: The Three Choice Model.Choice #1: I am satisfied with the way things are. I can live with what is going on, so I won't worry about it.
Choice #2: I am unhappy with my situation and I am on a path of trying to resolve the conflict. If my first effort doesn't succeed, I will try something else.
Choice #3: I will quit my job.
There are no other choices. Staff shouldn't complain about something unless they are trying to do something about it. Staff can use a coach (who may or may not be a supervisor) to help remind them about these three choices.
Here's how this works. Let's say there is a conflict over how many hours, at a minimum, staff must work each week:
Staff: I want to work fewer hours each week, but the director won't let me.
Coach: What are you doing about it?
Staff: I don't know. It's hopeless.
Coach: It sounds like you should quit your job.
Staff: Oh no! It's not that bad.
Coach: So, how are you trying to ...