In any negotiation, there will always be some level of concessions made in order to come to an agreement. Even the most skilled negotiators will have to make small concessions in a negotiation to reach a potential agreement. But what is the best strategy for making negotiation concessions? And how can you ensure that you …
The word impasse has a particular meaning when it applies to alternative dispute resolution. The Collins English Dictionary defines the impasse noun by describing a situation, particularly, “If people are in a difficult position in which it is impossible to make any progress, you can refer to the situation as an impasse.” While the meaning …
Negotiators often face a dilemma in negotiation—should I claim this value for myself and force the other side to concede, or should I work to create value here so that I can claim more value for myself later on? This dilemma forces many negotiators into positions that they do not want to be in, and …
By Zachary Ulrich Why Parties Sometimes “Take Things Personally,” And What Mediators Can Do About It Have you ever had someone blame you for something when there was nothing you could have done to change the situation? For example, have you ever made a promise to someone (say, to be at a certain place at …
We humans are social, but also individual. We often need help to succeed or excel. For example, early man was a poor match for a mastodon or prehistoric bison. He could hunt or gather smaller, less nutritious food alone. But he needed to hunt in a group if he were to take such dangerous high …
By Scott Van Soye Negotiating price (or a settlement amount) can be a long and frustrating process. Think about the last time you bought a car. Exhausting, wasn’t it? And yet research has shown that the outcome is often predictable. Professor Peter Robinson of Pepperdine University reports that such negotiations usually end with an agreement …
By Jasper Ozbirn In negotiation theory, it is a basic beginner’s rule not to start with your best offer, or your “bottom line.” When I first heard this, I wondered, “Why not?” I had always negotiated by simply deciding what I would pay for an item, and then walking in and offering that price. If …
By Dale Eilerman The word “and” is short but powerful. It connects as well as includes. It adds rather than negates. The word “and” provides energy in collaboration and contributes momentum toward synergy. This word enables people with differing perspectives to find common ground. It can supply motivation when opposing parties may be losing hope …
By Jeffrey Krivis There are two eternal truths about litigated cases: 1) There is a tremendous likelihood the case will be settled without trial; 2) The settlement could occur any time from the moment the case is filed until the eve of trial. That vacuum of time provides many favorable and unfavorable opportunities to negotiate …
Ron stared. The car was beautiful. All shiny black metal and gleaming chrome everywhere. Turning to the man beside him, whose name was Dave, He asked about the car. “Isn’t she lovely?” “Uh huh. How much?” ‘$26,000. ‘You gotta be kidding. Blue book is $23,000!” “Blue book for this car, in this condition, is $26,500.” …