This is an approach that can be used in certain situations. It involves giving a person or a group of people an off ramp – a possible way out – that can help to avoid challenging consequences.
This approach can be used with a person or a group of people in different situations. For example:
When they have made a decision that may lead to challenging circumstances for them or other people;
When they have embarked on a course of action which is producing unforeseen consequences;
When they are doing things that are not achieving the outcome they wanted or envisaged.
There are many situations in life where it can be possible to offer people an off ramp. This often needs to be done in a diplomatic way, however, to increase the chances of success.
When done appropriately, it can then provide a way out that can help people to do some of the following things:
To de-escalate the situation … To buy time to find potential solutions … To retain their honour or save face.
There are many ways to offer possible off ramps. Much depends on the specific circumstances, of course, but here are some of the possible ways forward.
Sometimes a possible off ramp can be offered by a third party who may be acting as an agreed mediator or facilitator. This can be effective, but it can also need the parties to be open to the options.
Sometimes it can be offered by one or more of the parties involved. This can be more challenging, however, because it requires the approach to be done in a positive and diplomatic way.
Sometimes it can be offered when certain conditions are in place. Such as when the various parties having cooled down and are prepared to try to find, as far as possible, win-win solutions.
Imagine that you have been asked to mediate in a situation and this has been agreed by all the parties. It can be important to recognise what you can and can’t control in the situation. You may then aim:
To show respect for people and, whenever possible, focus on the future rather than the past;
To help people to explore the possible ways forward together with the pluses and minuses of each option;
To recognise that, ultimately, it will be up to the parties to pursue their chosen way forwards.
Sometimes it can also be useful to follow these rules if you are one of the parties involved. This can be more difficult, however, because emotions can sometimes take over. Nevertheless, it can be useful to bear in mind these principles.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of the giving people an off ramp approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This involves completing the following sentences.
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