A Cloud-a-Day Keeps the Conflict Away!

A Model Cloud Case Study

By means of this Model Cloud Case Study, we would like to show how particular conflicts could be presented, discussed and eventually solved by using the A CLOUD-A-DAY website. The story is taken from the TOC Thinking Processes classic, the book IT'S NOT LUCK by Eli Goldratt.

 Sharon, the 13 years old daughter of Alex Rogo, the main character of the book, is invited to a very special sophomore party. Sharon asked her father for letting her go. A conflict arised after the father realized that the party will end around the midnight. The father insisted on having Sharon at home around 10. How they settled the conflict by using the Cloud technique?

 

1. Problem Definition By Using the Cloud

After evaluation of the conflict with his daughter, Alex created the Cloud bellow.

Later, he used that Cloud as a basis for discussion about the problem with Sharon.

 

 

2. Discussion

The discussion between Alex Rogo and Sharon is recorded bellow.

You can see how both parties are using the Cloud for deeper understanding their needs and assumptions about the situation and how they gradually converge to a win-win solution.

 

3. Incorporating the Comments of Participants

During the discussion, Alex accepted better wording of what Sharon needs (C) and adjusted the Cloud accordingly.

The recorded discussion also allow to formulate assumptions that both parties had in that conflicting situation.

When the assumptions were specified, it was already quite easy to find the invalid assumption and formulate a win-win solution.

Topic: A Model Cloud Case Study

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Alex Rogo

Subject: Common objective

Look, we have a common objective. What about "to have a good family life”? I want it and you want it.
Moreover, I understand that in order for you to have a good family life, you must be popular with your friends.

Reply

Date: 20/09/2015

By: Smithe876

Subject: John

Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group? There's a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Many thanks ceeagedbdekdedfe

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Sharon

Subject: I need to be accepted

No, not at all. It's not a matter of popular or not. Don't you see, Daddy, I have my own friends. I cannot be an exception. Being accepted is very important.

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Alex Rogo

Subject: What Alex thinks Sharon needs

OK, let’s keep on. In order for you to be accepted by your friends, I understand that you must come home from the party around twelve o'clock.

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Sharon

Subject: What Sharon really needs

I must come home when the party ends, I cannot leave before the party's over. It's like standing there shouting, 'I am a little girl. You were wrong to invite me to this party. Don't pay any attention to me.' Don't you see, Daddy?
The party will be over before twelve. So what's the problem? It's about time you understood that I have grown up.

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Alex Rogo

Subject: What Alex needs

Yes, Sharon, I realize it. But for me, in order to have a good family life, I must ensure that you are safe.
That's why I want you home before ten. But let's stop arguing about ten or twelve. That's not the real issue. The real issues are your safety and your need to be accepted by your friends. So why don't we examine the assumptions that lead us to believe that ten o'clock is vital for your safety and twelve is vital for your acceptance.

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Sharon

Subject: ???

I don't see why coming home late has anything to do with my safety. I'm sure that one ofthe guys will give us a ride.

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Alex Rogo

Subject: Objection

Oh? Since when are sophomores driving?

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Sharon

Subject: Solution proposal

Daddy, could you give us a ride?

Reply

Date: 17/10/2010

By: Alex Rogo

Subject: Conclusion Thoughts

Who are these sophomore kids? (When I realize that the sophomores are all from Dave's high school, I relax. This is a good school, good kids. And it's no hassle to bring her back. I don't see any safety issue.)

Reply
New comment