About Us

Negotiation Done Differently.

Traditionally, we are taught that we can either be “hard” or “soft” bargainers; either we prioritize the relationship at the expense of substance, or substance at the expense of relationship.

However, we can and should be both “hard” and “soft”, separating the people from the problem. When we negotiate in this way, it is better for us, better for our counterparts, and better for the families, communities, and societies we’re a part of.

Because “Negotiation” still carries negative, adversarial connotations - deliberation, and alignment, creativity - words we may not associate with “Negotiation” we refer to Mindful Negotiating to delineate interest-based, principled, pro-social, system 2 from the Mindless Negotiating, which wastes resources and potential.

Our goal is to usher in the next generation of leaders capable of the way they lead through conflict, knowing that how we approach people and their organizations determines what outcomes we can reach.

Naseem Khuri at DC Bar 360

Our Goals

Modernize the field, while honoring its roots.

The field of Negotiation draws on so many disciplines, Game Theory, Behavioral Economics, Neuroscience, Family Systems, Psychodrama, Adult Development. We follow in this tradition as we understand people as fragments of their families of origin.

Yet, our world is changing, and the meaning of family and networks is ever evolving. Rather than rely on a static framework, we use this lens and challenge conventional ways of thinking by listening intently to each client and adapting to meet their particular needs. Agency-enabling for people to learn about themselves, their families, and their brains.

Maintain a realistic optimism.

Mindful Negotiating finds its roots in working with prisons. Metaphorically, this describes an essential belief that people can change, and they deserve the opportunity to grow.

While there is no magic elixir to shift internal paradigms, we hold out on the hope that when folks are given the right tools and support, and that is coupled with internal motivation, real change can happen.

Create a place for practitioners to gather, share, and learn.

The field of negotiation has broadened greatly since its inception. Today negotiation practitioners may also be scholars, lawyers,We believe the field is strongest when it considers multiple disciplines.

Mindful Negotiating is a place where negotiators of different fields and domains can gather to share ideas and find community.

Meet the team behind Mindful Negotiating