What will I learn about: the concept of 'possibilism' and how viewing conflicts as natural catalysts for growth can transform destructive disputes into constructive opportunities?

Discover the concept of 'possibilism' and how viewing conflicts as natural catalysts for growth can transform destructive disputes into constructive opportunities.

What will I learn about: the 'three victories' of conflict resolution by learning to gain perspective, build solutions that address mutual needs, and mobilize community support?

Master the 'three victories' of conflict resolution by learning to gain perspective, build solutions that address mutual needs, and mobilize community support.

What will I learn about: how 'going to the balcony' and pausing during a dispute creates a crucial gap between stimulus and response, allowing for calmer, intentional decisions?

Understand how 'going to the balcony' and pausing during a dispute creates a crucial gap between stimulus and response, allowing for calmer, intentional decisions.

What will I learn about: 'zoom in' during disagreements to peel back superficial wants and uncover the true core needs driving your stance?

Learn how to 'zoom in' during disagreements to peel back superficial wants and uncover the true core needs driving your stance.

What will I learn about: why 'zooming out' is essential for understanding the broader context of a conflict and identifying your best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA)?

Find out why 'zooming out' is essential for understanding the broader context of a conflict and identifying your best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA).

Possible

How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict

William Ury

★ 4.1 / 5(134 ratings)

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Categories:

Communication Skills Personal Development Politics Society & Culture

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡What if the conflicts you dread most were actually the hidden gateway to your biggest creative breakthroughs and strongest relationships?
💡What’s the secret to turning a hostile confrontation into a cooperative success story, even when the other side refuses to budge?
💡Are you curious about the specific mindset shifts that allow master negotiators to find 'the possible' in situations that seem completely hopeless?

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Key Takeaways from Possible

✓Discover the concept of 'possibilism' and how viewing conflicts as natural catalysts for growth can transform destructive disputes into constructive opportunities.
✓Master the 'three victories' of conflict resolution by learning to gain perspective, build solutions that address mutual needs, and mobilize community support.
✓Understand how 'going to the balcony' and pausing during a dispute creates a crucial gap between stimulus and response, allowing for calmer, intentional decisions.
✓Learn how to 'zoom in' during disagreements to peel back superficial wants and uncover the true core needs driving your stance.
✓Find out why 'zooming out' is essential for understanding the broader context of a conflict and identifying your best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA).

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Possible

Mind Map

Possible

Core Philosophy: Possibilism+

Victory 1: The Balcony+

Victory 2: The Golden Bridge+

Victory 3: The Third Side+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6

What is the core philosophy of 'possibilism' as described by William Ury?

A. The belief that conflicts are anomalies that can be entirely eradicated through logical debate.
B. The belief in the power of human agency to transform conflict from a destructive force into a constructive one.
C. The strategy of ignoring past grievances to focus solely on the financial benefits of an agreement.
D. The idea that all negotiations must end in a compromise where both sides give up their core needs.

Question 2 of 6

How does Ury summarize his extensive conflict resolution experience into a single sentence?

A. 'The path to possible is to go to the balcony, build a golden bridge, and engage the third side.'
B. 'The path to possible is to pause the debate, analyze the data, and enforce a compromise.'
C. 'The path to possible is to listen actively, create a logical argument, and defeat the opposition.'
D. 'The path to possible is to go to the table, build an ironclad contract, and engage the legal system.'

Question 3 of 6

In the context of 'going to the balcony,' what is the primary purpose of 'zooming out'?

A. To emotionally distance oneself from the immediate anger of the opposing party.
B. To uncover the deeper, personal core needs that are driving your own stance in the conflict.
C. To expand your perspective to understand the broader context and identify your BATNA.
D. To find small, meaningful actions that can signal goodwill to the other side.

Question 4 of 6

According to Ury's concept of the 'golden bridge,' what must you do before you can effectively listen to others?

A. Establish a 'trust menu' of potential actions both parties can take.
B. Listen to yourself by acknowledging your own personal emotions, biases, and preconceptions.
C. Identify your Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA).
D. Create a rapid prototype of a potential solution to present to the opposing side.

Question 5 of 6

When building a 'golden bridge,' what role do 'besitos' (little kisses) play in the negotiation process?

A. They are small, meaningful actions taken to signal goodwill and build a foundation of trust.
B. They are minor concessions made at the end of a negotiation to close a deal quickly.
C. They are brainstorming techniques used to generate unconventional ideas without judgment.
D. They are internal reflections required before one can genuinely listen to the other party.

Question 6 of 6

What does the strategy of 'swarming' entail within the 'third side' framework?

A. Overwhelming the opposing party with legal documents and expert testimonies until they surrender.
B. Hosting a massive public dialogue to ensure every polarized voice in a community is heard.
C. Surrounding a problem with a multitude of diverse perspectives and using radical collaboration to find new solutions.
D. Shifting your personal mindset from 'I can't' to 'I can' by asking questions that encourage self-reflection.

Possible — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2The three victories
3The balcony
4The golden bridge
5The third side

Possible Summary & Overview

Possible (2024) introduces a groundbreaking strategy for confronting the increase in conflicts that threaten aspects of daily life, from personal relationships to global dynamics. It posits that by engaging with conflict constructively, you can unlock the potential for creative problem-solving and strengthen relationships. This approach will equip you with the tools to transform adversarial interactions into cooperative successes, paving the way for progress in every aspect of your life.

Who Should Listen to Possible?

Conflict resolution mediators and professionals
Leaders and managers
Individuals navigating personal or workplace conflicts

About the Author: William Ury

William Ury, cofounder of Harvard's Program on Negotiation, has contributed to the field of negotiation as a mediator and advisor in diverse conflicts worldwide, from corporate boardrooms to international wars. His previous works include Getting to Yes, which he coauthored with Roger Fisher, Getting Past No, and The Power of a Positive No.

Possible

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to Possible — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from Possible

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Possible — Full Chapter Overview

Possible Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to Possible?

About the Author: William Ury

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