This document outlines a new paradigm for addressing intractable problems involving transformation and change. It discusses types of transformation problems in business, countries, and government/politics. It defines "change" problems as being complex, multilayered, emotionally charged, and involving deep belief systems. The document recommends ground rules for discussions that include listening, avoiding interruptions, sticking to issues, and showing respect. It provides an exploratory path for reducing tensions by finding common ground, appreciating different perspectives, and collaborating to find joint solutions. An initial workshop is proposed to agree on rules, connect on common interests, identify issues, find points of compromise, and take a phased approach to addressing more difficult "taboos" over

1. A NEW PARADIGM FOR CHANGE
Transformation & Change Approach for Non Negotiable
Intractable Problems.

2. TYPES OF TRANSFORMATION
PROBLEMS
Business
o Losing market share, slow,
close minded, bureaucratic
Country
Liberalization of morality codes,
introduction of new social norms.
Government & Politics
o New & changed policies

3. DEFINITION OF “CHANGE” PROBLEMS
• Complex, Unique, Multilayered
• Highly personal to those involved
• Emotionally charged
• Hard line positions
• Deep belief systems, religious values
• Can be irrational
• No defined “end” or solution

4. GROUND RULES
 LISTEN-both sides to express their feelings
 No interuptions
 Stick to issues not “positions”
 Respect
 Avoid anger or any emotions
 No “I” or “you” only the issues

5. EXPLORATORY PATH-REDUCE TENSIONS
& DISCUSS TABOOS OR THE NON-
NEGOTIABLE
• Respect the other party
• Begin positive, with appreciation, gratitude
• Think Long Term
• Choose humility over being right
• Think of outcomes not who's winning
• Find intersections of commonality
• State your “needs” without blame or criticism as you perceive
them
• Find joint “wins”
• Recognize turning points with different choices
• Collaborate

6. INITIAL WORKSHOP
• Agree ground rules. Use Red, Green, Yellow cards as “referee”
• Speak honestly & authentically
• Find ways to connect-family, sport, hobbies, geography, holidays.
• Find and agree common ground
• Provide inspirational visionary story of outcome
• Identify the “taboos/problems” & rank in terms of difficulty
• Find benefits for the other party
• Rank points of compromise…think phases over time
• Take each of the “taboos” identify relative importance
• Find points of compromise
• BREAK

7. ‫األرض‬ ‫على‬ ‫السالم‬ “The journey is the
reward.” Steve Jobs