The Negotiation Map
“Plans are worthless, but planning is everything.”
-Dwight D. Eisenhower
Navigate consequential conversations with a map.
We are more likely to reach our destination if we do some preparation before we embark. Let’s get a lay of the land!
Prepare mindfully for your next negotiation by using the Negotiation Map Tool
How it works:
1) Fill in the form below (use the negotiation map to help you)
2) Take time to consider your details and answers.
3) Submit the form and a summary will be sent to your email inbox
Iceberg
Interests
Interests are the motivations (needs, concerns, desires, hopes, and fears) beneath the positions expressed by the parties.
Positions are what we want, Interests are why we want them. The better we understand the parties’ interests, the better chance we’ll be able to generate high-value options.
Observatory
Options
Options are the full range of possibilities the parties might agree upon.
Options are, or might be, put “on the table.” There is a crucial distinction between options and offers: offers seek commitment, or formal agreement, while options are potential components of a deal. Good options meets the parties’ interests and leverage difference as a source of value.
Colosseum
Criteria
Criteria (a.k.a. “Objective Criteria” or “Legitimacy”) are third-party, neutral benchmarks, which determine the “fairness” of an agreement (as well as its process).
Criteria exist beyond the will of either party. Criteria could be legal precedents, market data, industry standards, or unspoken social norms like reciprocity or deference.
Cove
Commitment
Commitment refers to oral, written, or implicit statements about what the parties will or won’t do.
Strong agreements have the organic buy-in of their stakeholders and are stronger to the extent that implementation is planned for (practical, realistic, durable, easily understood by those who are to carry them out, and verifiable if necessary). We want to commit quickly on good process and carefully on substantive terms.
Archipelago
Alternatives
Alternatives are the walk-away possibilities that each party has if an agreement is not reached. Neither party should agree to something that is worse than their BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement).
Whereas options are “on the table”, alternatives (in negotiation speak) are the courses of action each party can pursue '“away from the table”, without the other party.
Rockies
Relationship
Relationship (a.k.a. “Rapport”) refers to the history amongst the parties, their power dynamic(s), and the degree to which they trust one another.
We preach the separation of the person from the problem and adopting the unconditional positive regard of an “I-Thou” vs. an “I-it” stance towards others.
Canyon
Communication
Communication refers to the signals sent between the parties, both explicitly and implicitly.
High-quality communication minds the gap between the intent of the messages we send and the impact it has on the receiver(s). That is, the parties understand each other—even if they disagree.
Don’t React. Respond.
The Seven Elements of Negotiation equips professionals and teams from organizations, companies, start-ups and institutions; with the tools to execute better negotiations and achieve better results.
Achieving the desired outcomes you expect from your negotiations directly results from your response, not your reaction. A reaction is rash and impulsive, based purely on urgent action. A response is measured and strategic, focusing on communication and inquiry.
The workshops at Mindful Negotiating focus on each element of negotiation. So that you’re equipped with the right tools to carry out a mindful, and deliberate negotiation strategy. We arm you with the tools to conduct and accomplish better negotiations.
The Negotiation Map serves as a guide, leading to the culmination of your success. The prize at the end of the journey.