The Keys to Negotiation™

The Keys were developed to create a consistent and professional system that organizes and explains the process of negotiation. This robust and strategic system is structured around the way in which we communicate whether at home, in our communities, or in business … internationally or close to home.

The three keys are Language, Culture, and Solutions.

SPEECH

Slow & linear, flexible rules, arbitrary symbols based on sound: the verbal structure for our concepts and a burden on the listener.

SCRIPT

Invented system of characters needing translation, having limited context, and an unknown audience: a verbal reference for our concepts and a burden on the writer.

THOUGHT

Subconscious, fast, array-like, construction of our inner speech and perfectly outlined concepts, and a burden on the individual.

PERCEPTION

Emotive, mostly nonverbal, and pre-symbolic system adapted for recognizing the attributes of trust from individual behaviors.

ASSOCIATION

Constructed, flexible, framing systems oriented toward smaller communities based on people or larger ones based on principles.

ABSTRACTION

A dynamic system resolving ambiguity by categorizing meanings and guiding interpretation through flexible, hierarchical arrangements.

DIALOGUE

An interactive discussion employing conscious and subconscious elements to resolve relationship, reciprocity, and leverage.

COLLABORATION

Working out solutions of joint benefit under societal rules for balanced cooperation, competition, and hierarchy.

INSIGHT

The imperative of curiosity combined with an expectation of another’s intentionality in order to find productive ideas