Part III: Collaborative Competencies
Language of Collaboration
The following questions and phrases exemplify the language style that promotes good process, respectful relationships and mutually beneficial agreements.
| What if we…? | What is important to you about…? |
| What’s your point of view on…? | Let’s look at how we both… |
| Correct me if I’m wrong… | How do you feel about…? |
| What was your intention…? | I’d like to focus on… |
| How would you…if I…? | My concern is… |
| Let me see if I understand you… | I’ll consider that and get back to you. |
| How acceptable would this be…? | What more can you tell me about…? |
| How fair does it seem (or make sense)…? | What thought have you given to…? |
| Let’s consider… | How would it work if…? |
| How do you see it? | My hope (intention / goal) is… |
| In your experience…? | What I value most is… |
Words and phrases to avoid (they signal argumentation)
Yes, but…
I understand how you feel, however…
I’m sorry you feel that way, nonetheless…
With all due respect…
And at the end of the day…
That’s all well and good but…
I completely disagree with you…