• 2.3 Negotiation

    We often describe the discussions we enter to resolve a conflict or disagreement as a negotiation. The goal of negotiation is to establish an agreement among the two parties that have a stake in the outcome. The resolution should offer stakeholders common or agreed-upon terms and understandings. Negotiations do not need to be contentious or disagreeable.

    For example, we participate in a subtle form of negotiation when we ask a coworker to turn down the volume on their computer, wear less perfume, or consider another perspective when making a decision. We succeed in negotiation when we express our views and the coworker agrees to change their behavior or make an accommodation. Often, the other person was unaware they were causing any discomfort. They agree to change because they value working in a comfortable, inclusive work environment.