Answer the following questions
- What's the worst problem you have ever had?
- What is your first reaction to problems? Do you panic/ analyze it/ run to someone to talk and get help?
- Do you solve your problems quickly or does it take you awhile to think of a solution?
- When do you usually refer to a consultant? To what extent do you trust them?
- Do you have anybody that you trust with your problems and ready to help you whenever you need that?
- Do you help people with their problems?
- Are you creative in problem solving?
Useful Expressions
Make complete sentences by writing the best expression in each blank.
a. This won’t be easy to understand but just_________________.
b. He’s so stubborn. He’s just not ______________________ about anything.
c. Cleaning your room before you go out __________________.
d. If you want me to trust you, always __________________.
e. If we dress warmly, even if it snows, we _________________.
Read the model dialog
(Scenario – Sean, a factory labor representative, is with Charles, the work supervisor.)
Charles: Good morning Sean. What can I do for you?
Sean: Thanks for seeing me, sir. The men have asked for a change.
Charles: What kind of change?
Sean: They’re exhausted. They want to return to a five-day-work week.
Charles: Sean, that’s unacceptable. We have to run this factory six days a week.
Sean: I understand, sir. Please hear me out.
Charles: Go on. I’m listening.
Sean: Each man would work only five days. We’d run the factory for six.
Charles: What are you proposing?
Sean: Some men have volunteered to work Saturdays, if they can be off Mondays.
Charles: It sounds complicated.
Sean: We’ve already worked out a schedule that should be fine.
Charles: If we do this, our output must stay the same. This is not negotiable.
Sean: We know. We’re willing to work harder if needed.
Charles: Sean, if you can do what you say, I’m willing to compromise.
Sean: Thank you sir. This really will improve morale.
Indirect questions
• He asked if I could help him with writing a contract.
• Could you tell me who needs to be involved?
• I don’t know what you mean.
• I wonder how long it will take to get there.
Read the following passage, and answer the questions.
Negotiating Solutions
In the course of everyday life, people often have goals or desires that cause conflict with others around them. Such disagreements are frequent and often unavoidable. How we handle conflicts thus becomes a major factor in our quality of life. Many people spend much of their lives angry and
hostile because they do not get the things they want. Negotiation is a process by which two people reach agreement after a peaceful discussion.
Disagreements can be settled so that only one side wins. However, over the years one strategy, called win-win, has proven to be superior. When negotiators pursue this strategy, they commit to having both sides benefit.
Each side knows they will benefit from negotiating. This prevents the ‘losing side’ from using pressure or violence to resolve the situation in their own favor.
Informal negotiation is common in everyday life. We may negotiate with family members to get them to do their share of chores around the house. We may negotiate with our friends to see what we will do together during our free time. Negotiation is a powerful social tool to get more of what we want, to keep our friends and family happier, and to improve our quality of life.
1. According to the reading passage, what happens in a win-win situation?
benefit, prevent, violent methods, favorable
Your answer may begin like: Both sides of the negotiation benefit. Plus, ....
2. What have you negotiated for lately?
return, discount, benefit, deal, at work, raise
Your answer may begin like: The first time was when I bought a printer on the Internet and I found a ....
