One can balance the need to not compromise with the need to reach an agreement in a negotiation by focusing on listening and understanding the other party's needs and wants. This creates trust and safety for a real conversation. Instead of compromising, aim to find a solution that meets both parties' needs. This approach requires good listening skills and emotional empathy. For example, Oprah, in her daily TV show, was a master listener who could get her guests to talk about their deepest secrets, easing the tension with a smile and signaling empathy with subtle verbal and non-verbal cues.
Do you dread negotiations for fear of the conflict involved? The fact is that every aspect of our li...
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