Guideposts give direction. In the context of disputes, interests and goals are signs that point towards the solution. When your interests and objectives are addressed and the outcome is consistent with your goals, you experience resolution of the conflict. There are occasions when action must be taken in response to events that have not yet occurred. Guidelines provide meaningful parameters in these situations.

This chapter will define what interests and objectives are, with a checklist provided for uncovering the particular interests and objectives involved. There are guidelines for how decisions will be made when agreements are being carried out or how changes are put in place for a project. The importance of identifying goals will be reviewed. A second checklist sets out questions to consider when setting goals in various types of disputes. Useful tips are found at the end of the chapter.