Getting Past No: Negotiating in Difficult Situations

Saying a hard no is a clarifying act, a step toward self-knowledge, a commitment to stand up for something even when it is hard to do so. Finding the joy in making such a personal, purposeful declaration is the flip side of grieving for what you will have to give up to lead adaptive change.

Many mediations I have witnessed consist of waiting for people to wear down to the point where they’ll accept any compromise. This is very different from a resolution in which everyone’s needs are met and nobody experiences loss.

Find practical, interest-based work-arounds.