The Negotiator’s Multi-Tool
Little tools can make a big difference.
The Negotiator’s Multi-Tool is the most efficient way we know to equip a negotiator, identify the Seven Elements, and shift from reaction to response.
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.
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.
Standards
Standards (a.k.a. “Objective Criteria” or “Legitimacy”) are third-party, neutral benchmarks, which determine the “fairness” of an agreement (as well as its process). Standards exist beyond the will of either party. Standards could be legal precedents, market data, industry standards, or unspoken social norms like reciprocity or deference.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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