Positive Engagement in Debates, Discussions and

Negotiations
“the Code of Conduct”

Doodda, Wada Hadalka iyo Wada-Xaajoodka

“Xeerka Ka Qayb-Galka”
By: Khalif Bile Mohamud M.D.; Ph.D.

Venue The International Islamic University

Audience Member of the Somali Student Association
“Ururka Ardayda Soomaliyeed ee Jaamacaada Islaamka”

Islamabad, 24 January, 2010

 Debating about How to Debate: the Code of Conduct
“The Debate is a process of talking and listening and learning”
“Nin Keligi Garramay iyo Nin Dhul Ganay Midna ma Gafo”

• Accord respect and courtesy to your partner/opponent & follow a civic

behavior
• People can say any thing they want but should not insult and hurt each
other- “Dabeecad Xumo dad kaa saartay”
• Keeping high standards of politeness in all statements, gestures and
actions “Rag walaalow wuxuu ku dhaamo la waa”
• Be transparent and clear in your statements-avoid suspicious
metaphors- “Runi rag kama nixiso”; “Wixi faq lagu sheego
fagaarey tagaan”; “Waayeel hortiisa aya caano loogu badhxaa”
• Recognize the Event to be discussed and the decisions being proposed
on the subject- “Nimaan kuuu furi doonn yuusan kuu xirin”
• Think Before You Act: Intaadan falin ka fiirso
 CHARACTERISTICS OF A SUCCESSFUL
NEGOTIATION, DISCUSSION OR DEBATE
Wise agreement being reached as the outcome
“In Talo Toosan la Helo”

Efficient and resolving the issues and conflicts under

discussion
“In Xal loo Helo Arrimihii Laga Doodayey; “In isu Qalbi
Fiyoobi la Helo”

Improved or not damaged relationship

“Haddaan Farxad Lagu kala tegin, Inaan Colaad iyo
Caro Lagu Kala tegin”

Taking the community interest into account-positive

gains
“In Xalku Danta Guud Maslaxa u Yahay”
PRINCIPLED NEGOTIATION- NEGOTIATING ON THE MERIT

I. People: Separate the people from the problem

II. Interests: Focus on interests not positions

III. Options: Generate Options and possibilities

before deciding on what to do

IV. Criteria: Set criteria: insist that the result be

based on some objective standards
FACTORS IMPEDING DISCUSSIONS & DEBATES
Emotions

Harming relations

Miscommunications

Being unfair

Applying tricks

Taking solid position

 THE TWO KEY INTERESTS OF ANY
NEGOTIATION, DISCUSSION OR DEBATE

I. The Substantive Interest: Based on objective realities

II. The Relationship Interest: perception, emotion,

listening, fears and communication- qualities lie in “People’s
Heads”
- Make emotions explicit and acknowledge them as
legitimate
- “Share your fears and concerns and ask for theirs”
- Allow them pour out their grievances-give little support by
asking them to continue
- Do not act to their emotions as this brings quarrel &
violence
 MISUNDERSTANDING
THE UN, USA AND IRAN HOSTAGES CASE”
“HADAL NIN SI U YIRI NINNE SI U QAADEY”

1989-The release of US hostages

Mr Waldheim UN Secretary General Secretary
His statement on Tehran Airport

“I have come as a MEDIATOR to work out a COMPROMISE

Meddler-some one intervening uninvited

Compromise: Negative Connotation in Persian- The word lacks the positive

meaning it has in English
 KEY MESSAGES FOR A SUCCESSFUL DEBATE,
DISCUSSION AND NEGOTIATION
Nin Kasta Naftaada ayaa laga
“Put your self in their shoes” ma
“To influence them understand them” Laba gacmood oo is dhaafay ayaa
gacal ku jiraa
Do not deduce their intentions from your Tuhun dad ha ku dilin
fears”

“Do not blame them for your problems, be Nuqsaan adiga ku haysata dad
frank and honest” kale ha u xambaarin

“Attacks generate defense and striking back Middi-Middi ku taag tala

and cease listening” ma keento

“Change their perception by sending a Cadowgaa caana mac

message different from what they aya la siiyaa
expect”
Arrin aan la dhirindhirin guul
Participation is critical and important lagama gaaro
“Process is the product”
 KEY MESSAGES FOR A SUCCESSFUL DEBATE,
DISCUSSION AND NEGOTIATION
“Without communication there is no
Debate, discussion or negotiation”
“No effective debate or negotiation
when each plays to the gallery”
“Listen actively and acknowledge what
is being said”
“The cheapest concession that you can
give to the other side is to let them
know they have been heard”
“Speak about your self not about them”
“Before making a statement know what
you want to communication and what
your information will serve”
Aan wada hadallo waa an
heshiinno
Is tustus ayaa tala bi’iyey
Markii wax laguu sheego ayaad
wax garataa
Cabashada shisheeye
dhegeysigeedu adna wax kuma
yeelo, iyagana waa u dan
Tayda anaa u joogee adigu taada
ka hadal (ku ekow)
War aan fiirsi loo oran
 Brainstorming on Factors Facilitating or impeding an Effective
Debate, Discussion or negotiation
Group Work for Setting a “Code of Conduct”

Two Groups will Address the Two Groups will Address the
Facilitating Factors Impeding Factors
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.
6. 6.
7. 7.
8. 8.
9. 9.
1o. 1o.