Influence and Problem Solving

C.U.B.E. for Conflict

Survival Guide

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Best Practices

for Influence and Problem Solving

To learn more about CUBE and how to use, please view the CUBE Overview

C

REATE CONTEXT & OBJECTIVES

  • Establish an open and collaborative mood.  Center yourself in this mood.

  • Clarify the goal of the conversation—focus on the shared, desired outcome.

  • Be soft on the person and hard on the problem. Care about them personally, but also name the elephant in the room and challenge directly.

  • Create the agenda and timing together.

  • Ensure the right people are included from the start.

U

NDERSTAND EACH OTHER’S WORLDS… THEIR WORLD FIRST

  • Be curious: Dig for underlying interests, priorities, and feelings.

  • Stay curious. See dissent as an opportunity to learn.

  • Paraphrase to ensure you heard correctly and demonstrate understanding.

  • Share your interests and priorities.

  • Synthesize: List shared priorities and differences.

B

RAINSTORM OPTIONS

  • Set a mood of creativity: Clarify you are brainstorming, not decision-making.

  • Co-create many possible solutions.

  • Expand ideas: Do not narrow into one solution.

  • Redirect critiques back to brainstorming.

E

ND WITH COMMITMENTS

  • Decide and commit to clear next steps (who is doing what by when).

  • Be obstinate about your vision & interests, flexible about tactics.

  • Move the ball down the field with small steps.

  • Ensure everyone fully commits even if they disagree.

  • Setup a check-in, milestone or next conversation.

  • Write an email to summarize the decisions and commitments that were made.

Access to Exclusive Content

Login or create a free account to access all 16 downloadable Survival Guides, each including:

  1. Best Practices (above)

  2. Common Mistakes

  3. Introduction

  4. Preparation Page

  5. Post-Conversation Self-Assessment.

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