Dr. Paul Borosky, DBA, MBA
Business Consultant · Management Glossary
What Is the Difference Between Interests and Positions in a Conflict?
Two shift managers both demand every Saturday off. Neither will budge, because each is defending a position. The way out is finding the interest underneath. This guide explains the difference, gives questions that bring real needs to the surface, and walks through a dispute settled without picking a winner, a method business consultant Dr. Paul Borosky, DBA, MBA, uses often.
Questions? Call or text (321) 948-9588. Dr. Paul answers personally.
Last Updated: 11/07/2026 · Written by Dr. Paul Borosky, DBA, MBA
The Short Answer
What Are Interests and Positions?
Stuck in the Middle of a Staff Fight?
In Plain English
What They Want vs. Why They Want It
People argue about what they want. That is the position.
Ask why they want it, and you find the interest. Once you know the why, there is usually a way both people can win.
A Real-World Example
Two Managers, One Saturday
Two shift managers at a retail store in Maitland, Florida both demand every Saturday off. On the surface, somebody has to lose.
The owner asks each one why. One manager’s childcare falls through only on Saturday mornings, because her sister covers the afternoons. The other works a second job on Saturday afternoons. The positions are the same. The interests fit together: one works Saturday afternoons, the other works Saturday mornings, and the store is covered all day.
From Dr. Paul’s Fabled Forest
Louie, Pedro, and the Sidewalk Corner
Doctor Owl was halfway through his Sunday waffles at Waffle Woofs when Louie Waffles and Pedro started arguing on the sidewalk outside.
“Your cart has to go,” Louie said. “I need that corner.” Pedro folded his arms. “I’m not moving. That corner is where I sell.”
Doctor Owl stepped outside with his napkin still tucked in. He asked Louie why he needed the corner. The morning line, Louie said. Customers needed a clear path to the door. Then he asked Pedro why he needed it. Pedro sold the most coins’ worth of treats after lunch.
So Pedro agreed to roll up after the breakfast crowd cleared. “I love cake and ice cream!” Pedro said happily. Nobody was quite sure he had understood, but the corner was quiet from then on.
Just one of many stories from Book 1 of Dr. Paul’s Fabled Forest Business School Series.
Dr. Paul’s Insight
Dr. Paul has watched owners pick a winner in staff fights and lose both people. Asking “why” first costs nothing.
Put It to Work
Position vs. Interest: Side by Side
Fill in the same table for your own conflict. The answer usually shows up in the last row.
| Manager A | Manager B | |
|---|---|---|
| Position (what they demand) | Saturdays off | Saturdays off |
| Interest (why) | Childcare falls through on Saturday mornings only | Second job on Saturday afternoons |
| Solution that meets both | Off Saturday mornings, works the afternoon | Off Saturday afternoons, works the morning |
Watch Out
Pitfalls When Working With Interests
Every other Saturday leaves both people half unhappy. Solve the interest instead.
Hear each person separately before you decide anything.
Volume is not the same as importance. Ask both the same questions.
People defend positions harder with an audience. Talk in private.
Why It Matters
Benefits of Knowing the Difference
- Solutions both sides are more likely to keep
- Better working relationships
- Fewer repeat conflicts
- Less time refereeing
In Your Business Plan
How Interests and Positions Show Up in a Business Plan
Lenders seldom ask about staff conflict directly, but a staffing section that shows a fair process signals a stable team.
Sample plan excerpt: Management, Staffing
“Schedule conflicts are resolved in a private meeting with the manager, focused on each employee’s underlying need. Requests are documented and reviewed quarterly.”
FAQ
Questions Owners Ask About Interests and Positions
What is interest-based negotiation?
How do you find someone’s real interest?
Does this work with partners and customers too?
More From the Series
Keep Building Your Business
Every book in Dr. Paul’s Fabled Forest Business School Series teaches one subject through short stories, real terms, and one-page worksheets.
Dr. Paul Borosky, DBA, MBA
Dr. Paul is a business consultant and author with 14+ years of experience and 1,000+ written business plans. He works with owner-run small businesses on plans, financial projections, and the systems that let a business run without the owner doing everything. This page is part of the glossary for Management and Leadership for Small Businesses, Book 1 of Dr. Paul’s Fabled Forest Business School Series.
This page is for general educational purposes only. It is not legal, HR, or other professional advice. Scheduling and workplace rules vary by state; consult a qualified professional.