AFM Programs & Services
Communication Tips
Needs vs. Wants
During the normal course of life, we all have come upon some very attractive and enticing items - a new sports car, expensive stylish shoes, a new stereo, etc., that we would like to have. We convince ourselves how much we really need these items and that we cannot go on without them. But do we really need them? Hey, we may need a new car, but not an expensive sports car. We may even need a new pair of shoes, but not necessarily those leather pumps.
Before resolving a workplace conflict we need to identify our needs and wants. ‘ Needs’ can be defined as something that is essential for your workplace productivity and efficiency. Needs are not something that you would easily sacrifice. It is important that we understand what those needs are and why they are important to us. For example, one individual may require a quieter environment (less extraneous noise) to concentrate than another.
Important workplace ‘needs’ include: respect, trust.
‘Wants’ are not as essential, but still important. We want an extra scoop of ice cream but there are consequences - loosening of the belt, the need to do more exercise the next day, etc. We want to win the lottery, but the odds don’t change just because we want it.
In the workplace, a ‘want’ may be a negotiating tool. For example in a situation where someone is frustrated with not advancing in the organization, a realistic ‘want’ might be training in a specific skill that might increase responsibility.
Other ‘wants’ may be: variety of assignments, specific assignments of interest
Once you have identified your ‘needs’ and ‘wants,’ prioritize them. Determine which is the best and most realistic.
Finally, convey this information to the other party. You can’t come to a mutual agreement over an issue if you don’t understand the motivations of all parties involved. It is essential to make them known in a manner that can be understood. Even more important is to convey as to why they are important to you. Keep in mind, the other person has wants and needs, too. In the context of achieving resolution, it is important that you have a mutual understanding of each other’s needs.
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