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Win-win 
is not always possible: it is 
working towards it 
that counts. The result can be mutual respect 
and co-operation, enhanced communication, more creative problem-solving and – at best – 
satisfied 
needs all round
. 
QUESTION 
You win again
 
Suggest a (i) win-lose, (ii) compromise and (iii) win-win solution in the following scenarios. 
(a) 
Two of your team members are arguing over who gets the desk by the window: they both want it. 
(b) 
You and a colleague both need access to the same file at the same time. You both need it to 
compile reports for your managers, for the following morning. It is now 3pm, and each of you will 
need it for two hours to do the work. 
(c) 
Manager A is insisting on buying new computers for her department before the budgetary period 
ends. Manager B cannot understand why, since the old computers are quite adequate. She will 
moreover be severely inconvenienced by such a move, since her own systems will have to be 
upgraded as well in order to remain compatible with department A (the two departments 
constantly share data files). Manager B protests, and conflict erupts. 
ANSWER 
(a) (i) 
Win-lose
: one team member gets the window desk, and the other does not. (Result: 
broken relationships within the team.) 
(ii) 
Compromise
: the team members get the window desk on alternate days or weeks. 
(Result: half satisfied needs.) 
(iii) 
Win-win
: what do they want the window desk for? One may want the view, the other 
better lighting conditions. This offers options to be explored: how else could the lighting be 
improved, so that both team members get what they really want? (Result: at least, the 
positive intention to respect everyone's wishes equally, with benefits for team 
communication and creative problem-solving.) 
(b) (i)