What is the difference between positions and interests?
Positions are typically publicly stated outcomes that someone seeks and may be fairly extreme or absolute. Interests, by contrast, are reasons behind the positions, are initially not openly expressed, and may be far more nuanced than positions. Moving a dialogue beyond merely exchanging positions and into the realm of exploring interests lays at the core of mutual gains problem solving.
USDA Forest Service National Collaboration Cadre, January 2021
