The power of three

Sometimes two people together are unable to reach concensus on a decision they have to make. This can be because one side - or both - misinterprets the extent to which the other is able to compromise. (That's able to compromise as opposed to prepared to compromise!). Rather than leaving them to struggle a coach can intervene to restore balance to the situation. By introducing a neutral third person some of the personal tension in the situation is defused, and if that person acts as a facilitator and asks effective questions then it can be a tremendously productive tactic.