The Non-compromising battle between compromising Democrats and compromising Republicans

Americans love sports yet recognize the necessary flexibility in negotiating (trading) and therefore, are proficient compromisers. For instance, the Democratic Party is a fair compromise between Socialism and Practicality. The Republican Party is a reasonable compromise between Dictatorship and Neo-Liberalism. The Bernie Sanders Progressives are a decent compromise between radical liberalism and Reagan conservatism. The Independent Party (if there was one) is a compromise between Confusion and Apathy. All American politics is a perpetual, non-compromising battle between compromising Democrats and compromising Republicans.

Negotiators’ seemingly illogical conduct is often rooted in a desire to please their coworkers or the base. The need for saving face is especially strong when negotiations appear to be deadlocked. In such cases, they are likely to perceive retreat as a sign of weakness.

One effective face-saving technique is to “Give the other side exactly what they want, but on terms that are acceptable to you.” Restructure the other side’s movement from a face-losing proposition to developing a better solution. How? Encourage them to suggest ideas and then build on them rather than trying to sell the other side on your thoughts.

This strategy helps them gain ownership of an agreement and save face. You could also try offering the other party a choice between two or more options. This strategy gives your opponent room to criticize some of your ideas while still coming to an agreement.

These are divisive times. The ability to manage conflict is an essential skill in business and personal lives. Americans feel this divide more keenly at holiday gatherings. In some families, political differences mean the holidays are a time of circular arguments, insults, and unfriendly silence.

Understanding how to manage conflict both personally and professionally is just one skill, you will learn when you read, “The world is a bazaar-Life is a Negotiation.”

The book presents the skills I have learned over four decades of negotiating all over the world. These skills apply to anyone who is trying to inject greater success, creativity, and fun into his or her life, close relationships and work. In other words, whoever you are, whatever you do, this book is for you.

So, how do we navigate tense conversations in contentious times? That is the topic of my next issue of the knowledge letter.