What is an Evaporating Cloud?

The Evaporating Cloud is a conflict resolution tool. It is based on the assertion that both sides of a conflict are right in their thinking, and share common goals. They have different positions because they are using different assumptions to relate their positions to the shared goal through different needs. The Evaporating Cloud seeks to resolve (evaporate) conflicts with a win-win solution that delivers the common goal and all of the real needs, while sacrificing one or both of the initial positions. It facilitates a process of problem-solving by surfacing unstated assumptions, and creating new solutions that deliver a win-win solutions; often a better deal for both sides of the initial conflict.