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Conflict and negotiation
Conflict is a reality which exists across time where people are working in conjunction with each other. Conflict and negotiation is nothing but manifesting views. Conflict can manifest itself in differences of view, differences of opinion, and differences of personality. It could also be differences of interest. However, conflict does not have to be destructive. If you choose the right options to handle conflict, which could be a strategy or as a tactical choice, both the sides can be benefits.
- No Deal. You can have a no-deal outcome to a conflict. This implies that that the status quo is confirmed and that nothing changes. No-deal is not really successful way of putting an end to a conflict. This is unless the fact that during discussions it becomes clear there is no advantage for you in continuing the deal. No-deal is like a walkaway power. This can also be used tactically at any stage of the proceedings of the meeting or discussion. To ensure that you are not disadvantaged, you need to make sure that you have a good second-best BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) to fall back on.
- I Win, You Lose. This approach to conflict is also called the World War One solution. At the end of World War One, the victorious Allies decided that the Germans who were defeated should be humiliated. They should never have again allowed threatening their neighbors. This is a typical I win, you lose situation. The peace terms were completely one-sided. However, as in all win-lose solutions, the losing side harbored deep resentment. When "win-lose" is used on others, you encourage them to find ways on using "win-lose" back on you.
- I Lose, You Win. The "I lose, you win" approach to conflict should never be used. This should never be considered as a strategy. It will only be detrimental.
- Win At All Costs. Win-at-all-costs are a negotiating strategy. This is based on the belief that you are not responsible for the conflict. Hence, you will not budge to the other side. You must also be seen to win.
- Compromise. Although, the final result of many negotiations is a collaboration of many positions and a settlement which lies somewhere in the middle of extremes, compromise should not be a pre-planned strategy. The reasons for this are.
- It encourages a spirit of concession
- The opposite side will interpret your concessions as weakness. They will try to push you further
- Negotiation is not about attempting to be nice to one another
- Arbitration. Going to a third party to solve the resolution is often suggested to resolve a negotiation. However, this should never be considered as an alternative to negotiations. If you want to resolve all your differences through a third party, you must settle things on an amicable basis.
- Win-Win. Win-win is the only strategy which is worth pursuing in negotiations.