
What I learned by half-listening to a Lunch with NEMA session on “Zen and the Art of Negotiation” with Dan Yaeger:
- Enlightened negotiation builds relationships
- Keep an ear out for people’s egos (the word “respect” is a buzzword)
- Focus on interests (what matters), not positions (how you label yourself)
- Use objective criteria
- Invent options for mutual gains
- Consciously determine the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement
- Ask “What would you do if you were in my position?”
- Be still & silent. Like the Buddha. It will freak out your negotiation partner and will make him talk more. (I like this one!)
- Be optimistic and come to the table from a place of abundance
- Something about manly quiche. And orange peels. And pies. And fresh strawberries.
Bottom line: I’m really bad at focusing on lecture-based webinars. Especially when I’m in PJs at home. Hrmph.
