READY FOR TODAY – EVOLVING FOR TOMORROW
One of the most dangerous times, and
the point in which the group can fragment
irrevocably, is the Storming stage.
This is the point in which most friction,
resistance, hostility and emotional
escalation can occur.
worldview). Some will be easier than
others to utilise, and much does depend
on the situation and the emotional
intelligence of the parties involved.
To overcome this challenge, the
application of Cultural Theory and
Interest Based Negotiation tactics are
highly recommended. The principle
is that when resolving any difference
in opinion or dispute, the key is not to
entrench one’s position, but to seek out
common ground, re-establish rapport
and build ‘social favour’ by focussing
on shared interests. Such a tactic calms
the divisive situation and helps move the
situation from one of defensiveness to
one of pragmatism. Figure 4 indicates
how this process looks followed by an
explanation.
Figure 4 – Pictorial Representation of Interest
Based Negotiation Strategy
Party A and party B (represented by the
Figure 5 – Cultural Iceberg Model
triangles), come to the table with different
positions.
If Representation
party A simply
to push Strategy
Figure 4 – Pictorial
of Interest tries
Based Negotiation
their position without incorporating B’s
position, A will only be able to achieve
Conclusion
limited gains, if any, and the same for
The nature of CIMIC operations has
B. However, by focussing on common
been proven to remain consistent over
ground where needs and interests
time: Support the force; support civil
overlap (e.g. avoid human suffering),
actors; and liaise (AJP-3.4.9). However,
emotional outreach can be achieved,
because there are often different actors
and B’s original triangle position could
and different environments in which
be shifted to the left and start to overlap,
CIMIC is conducted, the approach to
provided consensus and rapport is built
implementing these principles can and
upon these needs/interests.
needs to adapt for every occasion.
In order to help define for the reader what
Utilising modern management and
‘common ground’ could consist of or to be
psychological theory provides the
of such an inspiration as to gain buy-in,
cognitive handrail to guide the CIMIC
the Cultural Iceberg is utilised. As shown
operative, helping them to deliver their
below in Figure 5, the iceberg is roughly
work effectively, efficiently and always in
divided up into three sections: Visible,
a professional manner.
less visible and not visible. Each section
represents parts of a human’s cultural
identity, the difference being the visible
ones are the most overt/recognisable,
whilst the other two are much less. When
an impasse is reached, in the Storming
stage for instance, the key to creating a
positive relationship is to find common
ground on any of the factors listed in
the Iceberg (e.g. life experiences or
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Major Neil Weddell is a 15-year veteran
of the British Army and currently serves
as the ARRC’s Military Liaison Officer
to Non-Governmental Organisations
(NGO). In his previous assignment he
served as the Strategic Planning Officer
for the Government of Sierra Leone at
Freetown during Operation GRITLOCK
(2014 Ebola outbreak). Maj. Weddell
has led civil-military collaboration efforts
during combat operations, defence
engagement activities and humanitarian
missions across Afghanistan, Saudi
Arabia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Maj.
Weddell holds a Master’s Degree in
Project Management from Cranfield
University, a Master’s Degree in
Education from the University of
Southampton and a Master’s Degree
in Business Administration from the
University of Plymouth.
ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS
93