In analyzing videos on negotiations, it is interesting to see how some fundamental concepts are always being illustrated. I think this is a great aspect to realize because it adds an element of continuity to the subject matter at hand. Here are the following videos I watched on negotiations:
William Ury: The Walk from "No" to "Yes.” Click here
Maria Ploumaki: The Art of Negotiation. Click here
Real Men Real Style:
7 Ways to be a Better Negotiator. Click here
What I particularly love when listening to others speak
about negotiating, is the common theme of human connectivity and how we present
ourselves in these situations. Many
times, we want to react rather than act in certain types of situations, and it
is this type of behavior that can be detrimental to the overall process. The reason this type of behavior is damaging
is because our reactions produce emotions and in turn make us blind to potential agreements. In the video with
Maria Ploumaki, she discusses how reeds are unusual plants in terms of how they
bend in the wind but never break. They
are designed in such a way that they can mold themselves to the
"unexpected," and it is this analogy that illustrates how we should
carry ourselves throughout the negotiation process. Additionally, these videos discuss how we
should utilize perception in seeing any issue from the other side's point of
view. In the William Ury TED Talk, he
explains how people tend to have this perception of the entire Middle East
being very hostile. He then goes on to
discuss the "Abraham Trail Walk" he once experienced and how he met some of the
most welcoming people in the world during this adventure. It is critical that when negotiating, we
remain kind to the people in the discussion but tough on the issue. Think of what this world would be like if we
all could understand the power of properly negotiating; it just might change
the world.