Interests vs. Positions

Interests are the underlying reasons or needs that motivate a person’s stance in a disagreement—such as safety, respect, or economic stability. Positions are the specific demands or solutions they present, like "I want a salary increase" or "We need a new project deadline." Understanding interests reveals what truly matters to someone, enabling more collaborative problem-solving, while positions are the initial claims they make. Focusing on interests helps parties find common ground and alternative solutions beyond rigid demands.