Path To Action

The Path to Action can be an important aspect of crucial conversations when used by the individual. The Path to Action method allows people to think about their behaviors and emotions during a difficult conversation. Grenny et al. (2021, p.76) explain there are four parts to the Path to Action, which are 1. See/hear 2. Tell a story 3. Feel 4. Act. The first part is signaling that something happened that you see or hear, the second part is your interpretation of what happened, the third part is how you feel due to the story you told yourself and the fourth part is the action that follows the produce emotions.

In the scenario of Johns’s promotion with the Path to Action steps, my first step would be overhearing the conversation between John and the review panel, as well as Johns’s quick rushed exit. The second part is to tell me a story, which would be that the decision was made unfairly because I deserve the promotion. I believe that John may have said or done something to have the review panel decide in his favor, which I support by the quick exit of Johns with barely a hello, indicating his guilt and admission of wrongdoing. The third step of feeling is my being upset, mad, frustrated, and sad about being passed up as well as ashamed of working for a company that is behaving unethically. The fourth part to act could be in multiple steps, first, my review is up next, and I will discuss and question the promotion after my review with the panel to ask for reasonings for being passed up. Depending on the answers I receive I could be understanding and set together an action plan with my review team for future promotion or opportunities or I could be further upset and possibly quit and seek employment elsewhere.

Integrative Negotiation Approach

Integrative negotiation is an approach that attempts to find a solution that benefits both parties. Lane (2021) describes it as: “Integrative bargaining is a form of negotiation that emphasizes problem-solving, cooperation, joint decision-making, and finding win-win solutions”. Negotiation does not always mean that only one side will benefit, and the other party will lose or have the short end of the stick, integrative negotiation includes compromises that favor both sides. Lewicki et al. (2020, p.58) further explain the needed characteristics of: “Honesty and integrity, Abundance mentality. Maturity. Systems orientation. Superior listening skills.” The review with the review panel could be beneficial based on the characteristics mentioned by Lewicki et al due to it establishing respect and common goals. The most important aspect of the review will be active listening skills; this means to listen what is being said and asking probing questions or questions to explain things in different ways again. This also includes the openness to receive information and opinions that may differ from my own. The first part of honesty and integrity will establish, calm, respect, and trust, due to me being open with the panel about my goals and the expectations that I had and have. The part of the abundance mentality and system orientation could allow me to see that I might be benefiting from not receiving the promotion for a possibly better position, gaining experience in another area, or overall, a different possibility, at the end of the day it is one company. We are a team trying to accomplish the same success. The maturity aspect will allow me to express my goals and negotiate ways for me to be able to successfully meet those, however, it also allows me to see the reasons for someone else being successful as well, even if it is before me.

Scripture Integration

The people saw Jesus seek Zacchaeus for a stay upon entering Jericho when he saw him on that tree. Furthermore, the people know Zacchaeus as a tax collector who was dishonest and wealthy due to his dishonesty. The story they told themselves was that of surprise and disbelief at Jesus going to a dishonest man, a sinner. The story could be evolving into Jesus supporting that behavior, and him being okay with the tax collector taking money from others for his benefit. The story makes them feel disappointment and sadness, as well as betrayal, frustration, and anger. The feelings are due to the people having a different opinion of Jesus and thought he would have words with Zacchaeus about his behavior and tell him that he is doing wrong, instead, he asked to stay with him immediately. Some of the people may even feel that it is unfair, that they would have liked to house Jesus, and that they would be more deserving of his presence. They are acting disappointed, rude, and disrespectful due to the open muttering in front of Jesus and Zacchaeus. The people should be open-minded about Jesus’ mission and values, and that he can transform those in disbelief. Therefore, the story they are telling themselves could be that of a positive one, that encourages the staying of Jesus with Zacchaeus with the hope of change, understanding, and redemption.

1 John 1:9 (ESV, 2016): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. The Bible tells us to give second chances to others and to allow sinners to redeem themselves. Zacchaeus confessed and provided a way of making it up to the one he collected from by pledging half of his wealth and the payback four times what he took unrightfully.

References

Grenny, J., Patterson, K., McMillan, R., Switzler, A. Gregory, E. (2021). Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Professional. 
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781260474190
Links to an external site.

Lane J. (2021). In a Protest Nation – Integrative Policy Negotiation Should be a Core Public Health Competency. Annals of Global Health, 87(1), 38. 
https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3291
Links to an external site.

Lewicki, R., Barry, B. Saunders, D. (2020). Essentials of Negotiation (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education (US). 
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781260512595
Links to an external site.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1%3A9&version=ESV
Links to an external site.