A – Acknowledge: Assume positive intention and acknowledge their efforts. Make people feel respected and appreciated as a colleague. ”What I hear you saying is…" or “I just wanted to let you know that…”
E – Express: Express your own specific concerns. “I feel/think…”
I – Identify: Non-defensively propose the changes you would like to see occur. Here’s where compromise may occur naturally. “I am wondering if…” or “Would you be willing to…”
O – Outcome: Highlight the benefits of the outcome. “Thanks. I appreciate your flexibility with this issue.”
U – Understanding: Ask for feedback, nail down agreement on nest steps. “How about we try this for a while and see if it works out for both of us?”
