Negotiators and conversationalists adapt to each other’s needs, reflecting mutual consideration (if they desire a successful outcome). Negotiation is a conversation, and the manner of engagement varies by person. Our involvement changes the context. It is easy to focus on the person in front of us and their age, nationality, or language. A person’s sex is the most basic of our classifications. But using that approach is deceptive.
Muddled Steaks: Negotiation Requires Dispersing Ambiguity
A donkey and an elephant uniquely represent two different political parties in the U.S. Yet, the symbols leave much undefined. Does a particular member agree to this or that principle? Can members of one party believe in the principles of the other? A single word can convey different meanings, to different people, at different times, and in different places.