Habituated negativity is another disturbing factor in many politically oriented group scenarios. People are often inclined to discuss public policy problems in terms of: “Whose fault is it?” followed quickly by “How can the guilty be stopped and/or punished?” This negative way of framing issues tends to generate very energetic interactions that sometimes seem almost gleeful, but are rarely constructive. The problem is that negativity is too rarely challenged or replaced by the more positive solutions-oriented approaches needed for constructive problem solving.

Solution: Good collaborative solutions can replace destructive negative attitudes if some difficult questions are asked and answered such as: what’s happening, and what’s wanted in each problematic situation, from the point of view of all the parties involved? What can be done to achieve what’s wanted to everyone’s relative satisfaction? How can these things can be done and in what priority? What compromises are possible and necessary, and which of the suggested options are doable or desirable? Facilitators will be instructed to keep these kinds of questions in mind and ask them as often as necessary and appropriate.