Introduction to Negotiation

In highly interconnected systems, our need to negotiate well is heightened. Negotiating is a fine art, and the best negotiators are those that seek win-win solutions. You already have some negotiation skills. We have all negotiated with parents, friends and partners to seek a compromise. Now is the time to take that informal knowledge, and learn about the true art behind effective negotiations.

Although these two videos make similar points, we have selected them because they demonstrate the gender differences we find in negotiation. Studies have shown gender can play a role in both the decision to engage in a negotiation, and the way in which it plays out. These differences are instructive, however, we shouldn’t fall victim to stereotyping negotiation styles by gender. Each individual is going to develop their own style. The bottom line is, if we are going to be effective at building partnerships to achieve the SDGs, we need to learn to become good problem solvers and negotiators.

Additional Materials:

• Entrepreneur: The Art of Negotiating

• Changing Minds: Negotiating

• Forbes: 15 Tactics For Successful Business Negotiations

• Fast Company: All the Things You’re Doing Wrong in Negotiations