Make sure management understands your position.

. Argue for your remedy.

. Emphasize the seriousness of your position.

* Indicate your willingness to proceed to the next step as well as your preference for settling at the lower step.

. Indicate your willingness to be reasonable.

Make sure you understand management's position.

. Ask the supervisor what his/her obstacles are to settling.

. Ask the supervisor about his/her solutions to the grievance, if he/she doesn't agree with yours.

. Listen closely for indications of management flexibility.

Look for a favorable settlement

. Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

. Know what you're looking for and what flexibility you have, if any.

. Don't box yourself into only one solution.

. Persuade the supervisor that it is in management's interest to settle.

. Give positive reinforcement for any movement made by management.

. Give management a chance to save face.