Plus One Strategy Slides The Plus One Strategy
Compromise vs. Collaboration
Bridge Builders Lab
The Split or Grow Challenge
Game A: The Split
You have $10. You must split it with your partner. Whatever you give them, you lose.
Result
Fixed Pie ($10 Total)
Game B: The Grow
You have $10. If you find a way to work together on a project, the teacher doubles the money to $20.
Result
Expanded Pie ($20 Total)
The Difference
01
Compromise
"Meeting in the middle." Both sides give up something they want to reach an agreement.
02
Collaboration
"Building something new." Both sides work together to find a solution that meets everyone's needs.
Scenario: The Shared Tablet
"Two siblings both want to use the family tablet at 4:00 PM. Jordan wants to play a game. Alex wants to research a science project."
Compromise Solution
"They each get 30 minutes, but Alex doesn't finish the project and Jordan's game gets cut off mid-level."
Collaborative Solution
"They hook the tablet to the TV. Jordan plays the game while Alex watches and uses a phone to take notes on the 'science' of the game's physics."
Ready to Trade?
Open your Trade Tracker Worksheet . We are going to see if you can expand the pie or just split it.
Trade Tracker Worksheet Trade Tracker
Bridge Builders Negotiation Lab // Lesson 01
Name:
Date:
The Mission
Today, you are testing two different ways to negotiate. In Round 1, you will try to "win" a split. In Round 2, you will try to "expand the pie." Follow the Game Master's instructions for each round and record your results below.
Round 1: The Zero-Sum Split
Your Points
Partner's Points
Total Combined Points (You + Partner)
Round 2: The Positive-Sum Growth
Your Points
Partner's Points
Total Combined Points (You + Partner)
Negotiation Insights
1. In Round 1, what was your strategy? Did you care more about your points or your partner's points?
2. In Round 2, how did the "doubling" rule change the way you talked to your partner?
3. Define Compromise and Collaboration in your own words based on this game.
Compromise
Collaboration
Game Master Guide Lesson 1 Teacher Resource
Game Master Guide
Lesson 01: The Plus One Strategy
Overview
This game is designed to help students feel the difference between zero-sum thinking (where my gain is your loss) and positive-sum thinking (where we create new value together). By the end of the session, students should be able to identify "The Plus One" (the collaborative extra value) in a negotiation.
Quick Stats
45-50 Minutes
Pairs / Whole Class
Slides & Tracker Worksheet
Round 1: The Fixed Pie (Zero-Sum)
1
Tell pairs they have 10 "Resource Tokens" (virtual or real items) to split between them.
2
The Rule: There are only 10 tokens. Whatever Person A takes, Person B cannot have. They must agree on the split within 2 minutes.
3
Observation: Most students will go for a 5/5 split (compromise) or try to argue for 6/4. No matter what, the total is always 10.
Round 2: The Plus One (Positive-Sum)
1
Explain that the game has changed. They still have 10 tokens, but there is a Hidden Bonus Rule .
2
The Rule: If they can come up with a creative "Combined Project" (e.g., alex builds the base, jordan builds the tower), the teacher doubles the tokens to 20 total.
3
The Catch: They must spend 1 minute brainstorming *together* before deciding who gets what. If they don't brainstorm, they stay at 10 tokens.
Debriefing Questions
The "Feel" of Round 1
"Did Round 1 feel like a fight or a partnership? Why?"
Desired Insight: Students should mention feeling defensive or like they had to "protect" their half.
The "Shift" in Round 2
"What happened to your attitude when you realized working together created more points for everyone?"
Desired Insight: The focus shifts from "me vs you" to "us vs the problem" (how to get the 20 tokens).
Key Concept: The Plus One Strategy
Explain to the class that Collaboration is often called "The Plus One Strategy." In any conflict, there is what I want (1) and what you want (1). Compromise is usually (0.5 + 0.5 = 1). Collaboration is looking for that "Plus One" (1 + 1 + 1 = 3) where the relationship and the creative solution add value that wasn't there before.
Attack Problem Slides Phase 02
Attack the Problem
Separating People from the Issue
Negotiation Lab
The Physical Shift
Face-to-Face
The person is the opponent. You are looking at each other.
Side-by-Side
The problem is the opponent. You are looking at the issue together.
Externalizing the Problem
Internalizing
"You are so messy!"
Externalizing
"The clutter in the room makes it hard to focus."
Internalizing
"You always forget your part!"
Externalizing
"Our project timeline is falling behind schedule."
"Soft on People, Hard on Problems"
Soft on People
• Use "I" statements
• Listen with empathy
• Protect the relationship
Hard on Problems
• Be clear about needs
• Don't back down on facts
• Demand a fair solution
Workshop Time
Grab the Problem Flip Workshop sheet. Let's practice turning attacks into puzzles we can solve together.
Problem Flip Workshop Worksheet Blueprint Series // 02
Problem Flip Workshop
Topic: Separating the Person from the Puzzle
Collaborator:
Date:
The "Flip" Technique
When we are frustrated, we usually use "You" Statements (attacks on the person). To negotiate effectively, we must "flip" those into "The Problem" Statements (focusing on the situation).
Master Examples
The Attack (Internalizing)
"You are so lazy and never help with the group slides!"
The Flip (Externalizing)
"The deadline for the slides is tomorrow and we are only 20% finished."
Practice Your Flip
1
The Attack: "You are always late and you're going to make us miss the movie!"
The Flip (Focus on the Problem):
2
The Attack: "You're being so selfish with the basketball. You never pass!"
The Flip (Focus on the Problem):
3
The Attack: "Your music is way too loud. You're so inconsiderate!"
The Flip (Focus on the Problem):
Bonus Challenge: The "I" Statement
Combine a Flip with an "I" statement. Instead of "You," start with "I feel [emotion] when [problem occurs]."
Attack Problem Teacher Guide Teacher Resource
Attack the Problem Guide
Lesson 02: Separating People from Problems
Activity: The Physical Shift
"We often feel a conflict physically. When we face someone directly, it feels like an interrogation or a fight. When we sit side-by-side, it feels like a partnership."
Step 1: Face-to-Face
Have two volunteers sit directly across from each other. Ask them to discuss a fake conflict (e.g., who gets the last slice of pizza). Ask the class: 'Who is the enemy here?' (The answer: The other person).
Step 2: Side-by-Side
Now, have them sit side-by-side. Place a piece of paper on the table in front of them with the word 'PIZZA' on it. Ask them to look at the paper, not each other. Ask: 'Who is the enemy now?' (The answer: The hunger/the empty box).
Problem Flip Answer Guide
1. The Late Friend Scenario
Flip: "The movie starts at 7:00 and we need to be in our seats by then to see the previews."
Teaching Point: Focus on the clock/deadline, not the person's character.
2. The Ball Hog Scenario
Flip: "Our team's offense works best when we move the ball around and everyone gets a touch."
Teaching Point: Focus on team success/strategy, not selfishness.
3. The Loud Music Scenario
Flip: "The sound level in the house makes it difficult for me to finish my homework."
Teaching Point: Focus on the impact (noise level) and the task (homework).
Pacing & Discussion
Key Script Moment
"When you attack a person, their brain goes into 'defense mode.' They stop listening and start planning their comeback. When you attack a problem , their brain stays in 'solution mode.' They are much more likely to help you fix the issue."
Checking for Understanding
Can students explain the difference between 'internalizing' and 'externalizing'?
Do students recognize when they are being 'hard on the person'?
Are they able to use 'I' statements comfortably?
Expanding the Pie Slides Phase 03
Expanding the Pie
Brainstorming Multiple Options
Negotiation Lab
The "Bad Idea" Warmup
"To get to the great ideas, we have to clear out the pipes. What are the worst possible ways to solve a conflict over a shared bedroom?"
"Build a wall of solid ice down the middle."
"Sell the house and move into separate tents."
"Flip a coin to see who gets to use it for the next 10 years."
The Ideation Rules
Suspend Judgment
No "that won't work" allowed. Write everything down.
Quantity Over Quality
Aim for 10+ ideas before you even look at them.
Combine & Improve
Mix two "okay" ideas into one "great" idea.
Expand the Pie
Look for things neither of you thought of yet.
The Classic Orange Dispute
"Two people are fighting over the last orange in the kitchen. They decide to compromise and cut it in half."
The Missing Step
They forgot to ask WHY they wanted the orange.
Person A wanted the juice to drink.peel for a cake recipe.
Outcome: 100% for both!
Option Generator
Time to expand the pie. Open your Option Generator and let's find the juice and the peel in your scenarios.
Option Generator Worksheet Lab Tool 03
Option Generator
Topic: Expanding the Pie
Inventor:
1
The Problem Statement
(Flip your "You" statement into a problem puzzle here...)
2
The Brainstorming Grid
No Judgment 8+ Ideas
Idea 01
Idea 02
Idea 03
Idea 04
Idea 05
Idea 06
Idea 07
Idea 08
3
The Orange Filter
Ask the "WHY" Questions:
"Why do I really want this?"
"Why does the other person want this?"
The Top 2 Solutions
Option A
Option B
Fairness Standard Slides Phase 04
The Fairness Standard
Using Objective Criteria
Negotiation Lab
The Willpower Trap
In many negotiations, people get stuck in a "Willpower Battle."
"I'm not moving until you give me what I want!"
This usually ends in either an explosion or a total stalemate.
There is a better way.
The Third Party Standard
Stop arguing about WILL . Start arguing about PRINCIPLE .
Precedent
"How have we solved this problem in the past?"
Market Value
"What do other people pay for this?"
Scientific Standards
"What do the facts or experts say is fair?"
Moral Standards
"What is the equal or fair rule for everyone?"
Example: The Used Game
The Argument
"I want $40 for this game!"
The Standard
"Let's look at recent 'Sold' prices on eBay for this exact game."
Why this works:
It's not personal.
It's based on reality.
It preserves the friendship.
Find the Standard
Time to solve the Fair Value Challenge . You'll need to research outside standards to settle the dispute.
Fair Value Challenge Worksheet Case Study // 04
The Fair Value Challenge
Using Objective Criteria to Settle Disputes
Your Task
In each scenario below, two people are stuck in a "Willpower Battle." Your job is to suggest an Objective Criterion (a fair outside standard) that they could use to settle the argument fairly without fighting.
1
The Used Phone
"Casey wants to buy an old iPhone from their cousin. The cousin wants $300. Casey only has $150. They are both getting frustrated."
Proposed Objective Criterion:
Example: Check 'Completed Listings' on eBay for that model...
Why is this fair?
2
The Babysitting Wage
"A neighbor asks you to babysit their two toddlers for 4 hours. You want $15 an hour. They only want to pay $10 total for the night."
Proposed Objective Criterion:
Why is this fair?
3
The Curfew Battle
"You want your curfew moved from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM for the summer. Your parents say 9:00 PM is the rule and they aren't changing it."
Proposed Objective Criterion:
Why is this fair?
Summary Question
If the other person refuses to look at an objective criterion and says, "No, it's my way or nothing," what does that tell you about their style of negotiation?
BATNA Plan B Slides Final Phase
Power of Plan B
Developing your BATNA
Negotiation Lab
Meet the BATNA
B.A.T.N.A.
Best
Alternative
To a
Negotiated
Agreement
"Basically: What will you do if you can't reach a deal?"
Your Walk-Away Power
The person with the best Plan B has the most power in a negotiation.
If you have a great alternative, you don't have to accept a bad deal. You can say "No, thank you" and walk away.
Walk-Away Power =
Freedom
Scenario: The Used Bike
You want a bike.
"The seller wants $100. It's rusty and needs new tires."
Weak BATNA
"This is the only bike I've found. If I don't buy this, I have to walk to school."
Likely outcome: You overpay.
Strong BATNA
"I found another bike for $80 on Facebook. It's in better shape than this one."
Likely outcome: You get a fair deal or walk away.
Master Negotiator
Time to build your own BATNA Plan . Use everything you've learned to prepare for your final negotiation challenge.
BATNA Builder Worksheet Strategy Tool // 05
The BATNA Builder
Finding Your Walk-Away Power
Strategist:
Negotiation Topic:
1
The Dream Deal
If everything goes perfectly and you use your Plus One collaborative skills, what is the best possible outcome for everyone?
2
Your Plan B (BATNA)
What is your Best Alternative if this person refuses to collaborate? What will you do if you walk away right now?
3
The Red Line
At what point is the deal worse than your Plan B? Where do you stop negotiating and respectfully walk away?
Your Power Meter
Weak BATNA (No Options) Strong BATNA (Total Power)
Circle where you think your current negotiation power sits based on your Plan B.
Negotiation Lab Exit Ticket Sequence Wrap-Up
Negotiation Lab Exit Ticket
Mastering the Bridge Builder Skills
Name:
Date:
1. Compromise vs. Collaboration
In your own words, what is the biggest difference between "meeting in the middle" and "expanding the pie"?
2. The Language Flip
Rephrase this personal attack into a problem-focused statement:
3. Your BATNA
Why is it important to know your Plan B before you start a negotiation?
4. The Bridge Builder Philosophy
What is one situation in your real life (at school or home) where you can use these skills this week?
Negotiation Lab Certified
