In the Open stage of negotiation, what occurs?

Study for the New York City DOC Conflict Resolution Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The Open stage is about laying the groundwork by exchanging initial positions and listening to each other. When each side states what they want and truly listens, you establish what matters to both sides, clarify assumptions, and start building trust. This verbal exchange helps reveal underlying interests, not just stated demands, and sets a calm, respectful tone for the conversation that follows.

Describing the Open stage this way is the best fit because it captures the essential action at this moment: sharing aims and hearing the other side. The other choices point to moments that come later or reflect a broader goal rather than the defining action of opening the negotiation. Indicating readiness to work together is related but more about attitude than the specific opening action; reaching final agreement belongs to closing; and seeking a win/win solution describes an overarching aim that can appear throughout, not just at the opening.