Saturday, November 23, 2013

Review on the interview with Weiss and Hughes on the article: Implementing Strategies in Extreme Negotiations.

In the interview Weiss and Hughes defined extreme negotiations and the type of negotiations where the stakes and the risks are especially high . These normally result in extreme measure like join-ventures or nationalizing assets. In order to engage in these types of negotiations one must be able to understand the other party’s motives, have variety of possible solutions , use persuasions , show commitment to fair outcomes and focus on actively engaging In the negotiation.

This type of negotiation may go in a wrong way if the negotiators are tough. That means if the negotiators have high demands, stick at their demands and are not willing to compromise and not afraid of dead lock . On the other hand being a soft negotiator will not also be an advantage. A person should mater skills from both types of negotiations in order to successfully engage in extreme negotiations.

Most often negotiations go wrong due to misunderstanding between the parties involved. This is mainly because most negotiators act or react based on what the other side says or does. This is also a certain quality of a soft negotiator. The down side is that the if the other party’s actions are misunderstood then the response is totally based on that misunderstanding which will cripple the negotiations at hand. But the good news is that having this quality is that by assuming the other parties motives you may be able to drive the negotiation in a principled and constructive manner. Always remember to focus on the process. Don’t react to the actions of the other side but deliberately take steps to shape the negotiation process as well as the outcome.

When in doubt about the other parties motive before acting on you assumptions always question the other party and try to confirm your assumption. Asking direct questions may help to accomplish this but keep in mind to be respectful. Often tough negotiator may ask questions in a aggressive manner which may make it less likely for the other side to be forthcoming. Therefore tough negotiator should keep in mind to avoid such circumstances and be respectful and calmly resolve the matter at hand . One way of doing this is to suggest a possible resolution and ask the other side to critique it .

One important thing to remember is that these strategies are not culture specific. You need to understand the culture the people you are negotiating with to successfully use these techniques . The key point here is to first of all build a trust with the other party . Deal with the relationship issues head-on and make commitments to build the trust and encourage co-operation. In short do what you promise to do or keep your end of the deal.

In extreme negotiations an situation may occur when treats may arise from one side of the party . Tough negotiators do not succumb to threats and sanctions where else soft negotiators will . Therefore if you an tough negotiator do not be affected by this and react in an hostile manner but try to keep to calm and rationalize with the other party and make it clear to them that threatening will not give a pleasurable outcome to anyone . If you are a soft negotiator, without giving in try to overcome as motioned in the above manner. Best thing to do is to ask them what they hope to achieve by such actions and that may most likely give and insight to their motives.

Power in extreme negotiations goes to the side that is well prepared. In order to do this Focus on structured disciplined preparation, Practice on low risk negotiations beforehand, Review each negotiation and find you weakness, Get an observer to give you feedback and Teach and coach others. Also when engaging  in an negotiation Send consistent messages so that your points are clear , Develop common tools and methods that will accommodate you and remember to not to force the other side but persuade them or convince them to see your side of the story or agreement.

Overall in Extreme negotiations its import that you always get the big picture first . Don’t jump to conclusions but understand the other side and look from their point of view. This will help to uncover their motives and concerns which will in assist you in proposing multiple solutions and also to have a strong BATNA ( Best alternative To negotiated agreement) which will give you a border line to you negotiation. And always Elicit genuine buy-in and use the principles of fairness to not only to build trust but also to use it to persuade the other party and come up with a  solution for the extreme negotiation.

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