negotiation

PANDEMIC: The Rise Of The Electronic Negotiator

PANDEMIC: The Rise Of The Electronic Negotiator

Smartphones and computers are technologies that have become essential and ubiquitous in nearly every area of life, including negotiation.

With Covid-19, we have become even more dependent on these devices and electronic communication.

There was a time when we had to meet in person (or pick up our phone) and then send a fax for confirmation. Then came emails filling up our inbox and further reducing face-to-face meetings. Now people increasingly use instant messages to negotiate since apps, like WhatsApp, WeChat or Line, can transfer documents. This is not only instantaneous, but also spam free - probably because getting one's email address is more difficult than a personal phone number.

Zoom, Webex Microsoft Teams and other video conference platforms have slightly counter-balanced this trend, but the reality is we have have become electronic negotiators even more.

Why We Are ALL Deceptive Negotiators!

Why We Are ALL Deceptive Negotiators!

When I negotiate, I come across a fair bit of deceptive behaviors. It made me wonder if we were all lying or cheating when negotiating. I did some research and realized that we all do. Those who deny this are liars!:-) There are no saints or sinners. We’ve done it and here’s why:

Everyday people cheat and lie to strangers, friends, colleagues, clients and loved ones. It is just human nature. We have the ability to cooperate but also manipulate. Such ability developed after mankind’s use of language with the objective of gaining an advantage in the competition for resources and mates without using physical force. Well, you know what? Times have changed, but we are still programmed the same way.

Negotiators! Why You Should Really Keep Your Promises...

Negotiators! Why You Should Really Keep Your Promises...

Keep your word as a negotiator, even it is expensive and inconvenient. Your word is your true worth.

We all meet overcommitters. They are nice and optimistic, convinced they can help, and then nothing happens. They want to please others, look good, or gain trust too quickly. They underestimate the cost of their promises, or they just stop making effort if they no longer benefit. Then, they claim a lack of time or an unforeseen event to justify their inaction. Some may not even bother apologizing and will become amnesic. Jean-Jacques Rousseau saw it clearly: “Those that are most slow in making a promise are the most faithful in the performance of it.”

5 Reasons Why Your Business Style Really Matters!

5 Reasons Why Your Business Style Really Matters!

It is not only what you do in business, it is also how you do it and how others perceive you. As an overlooked business strategy, your style should be a valuable and influential business tool.

Does your style enhance your professional relationships, increase your credibility, and convey the right message? Your style needs to reflect an identity that is authentic, attractive, and trustworthy.

The Underestimated Power of Business Dinners – A must read

The Underestimated Power of Business Dinners – A must read

The benefits of business dinners are often under-estimated. Some people may still think that the most economical and efficient way to close a deal is to lock a counter-part in a conference room with a few sandwiches, then “cook” this counter-part for a few hours until he/she signs at the bottom of the page. This may be the case when a commercial agreement needs to be formalised with a team of advisors, but it may not be efficient enough for obtaining a good commercial agreement.