IMPORTANT DATES ASSSIGNMENT S – May 24 (Fri) MIDTERM – May 31 (Fri) FINAL EXAM: June 7 ( Fri )
Part 4: Psychology
Psychology Part 4
"Negotiating"
It helps to know about human psychology when seated at the bargaining table. If you are unaware of these key principles, you may be vulnerable to common negotiation ploys.
Truth 25. The reciprocity principle Shortly after the United States entered World War II, the Americans joined the British in launching costly bombing raids over Germany. Part of the intent was to demoralize the Germans and break their will. The US and UK believed that a series of steady bombing raids would demoralize the Germans and cause them to retreat. However, the plan to demoralize did not work. Research reports conducted by the Office of Strategic Services that compared heavily and lightly bombed areas did not find significant differences in civilians’ will to resist. Several other conflicts have followed the same psychological pattern—for example, Pearl Harbor, South Africa, and North Vietnam. In all of these instances, the aggressor works under the faulty belief that aggression will lead to submission in the target. However, inevitably, aggression invites aggression. The reciprocity principle is probably the most important but least understood concept in psychology. It characterizes relationships among people, groups, and warring nations. The reciprocity principle is quite simply the tendency for people to treat others the way they are treated.
Truth 25. The reciprocity principle Salespeople understand the reciprocity effect. Excellent salespeople know that small acts of generosity create powerful psychological obligations that result in big sales. For example, a real estate agent might treat you to a latte during an open house showing, which might obligate you to buy a house from one of their listings. Certainly, the price of a latte pales in comparison to earning a 6 percent commission on a $225,000 house. But, too often we forget scale in our haste to reciprocate favors. So, be wary about accepting favors and if you do, think about size. The reciprocity effect does not know cultural boundaries, as it has been documented in nearly every country in the world. And feelings of indebtedness to others run deep: If one group receives a favor from another group but is unable to return the favor immediately, it carries that debt into the next generation to repay. Why, then, do so many well-meaning negotiators behave like bulldogs in negotiation and wonder why the other party chooses to escalate instead of back down? The answer, I think, is simple: We hold a psychological double standard when it comes to using force. We think that if we use force, we can intimidate and weaken the other party. Yet we believe that if someone uses force with us, we will retaliate. Assume that the counterparty is every bit as smart and motivated as you are.
Truth 25. The reciprocity principle So, when you think about flexing muscle in a negotiation, be warned that doing so will most definitely increase the probability that the counterparty will flex his muscle, too. If the reciprocity principle characterizes the use of aggression and competition in negotiation, it certainly applies to the cooperative, constructive aspect of negotiation. In other words, if I use a trusting, relationship-building strategy in negotiation, have I increased or decreased the probability that you will respond in a constructive, trusting fashion? Answer: I have increased it.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle A group of sneaky students got together before class and decided to test the power of the reinforcement principle. Whenever the instructor walked on the right side of the classroom, they attentively smiled, nodded, and sat forward in their seats. However, when the instructor paced over to the left side of the classroom, the students slumped, averted their eyes, and disengaged. On which side of the classroom did the teacher spend the most time: the right or the left? The obvious answer is that he spent dramatically more time on the right side of the classroom. The students had positively reinforced the speaker’s behavior. Yet, the instructor was unaware of why he ended up on the right side of the room by the end of the lecture. This brings up an important point about reinforcement: It occurs at a level below our threshold of awareness.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle Under what conditions would you want to use reinforcement in negotiation? Answer: Anytime you want to increase a certain behavior. In negotiation, people emit various behaviors, some pleasant and constructive, and some offensive and destructive. Ideally, we want to encourage the counterparty to emit behaviors that will help us expand the pie. We can do this if we follow certain principles of behavioral reinforcement.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle As simple as this psychology sounds, it is easy to screw it up. The main things to remember about reinforcement are these: Be immediate—We’re talking about seconds when it comes to rewarding behavior. If you wait several minutes to nod and smile to the counterparty, you have missed your window to reward her behavior. Be unambiguous—Your reward should be clear and simple, such as a clear and simple nod, an open smile, eye contact, or a heartfelt compliment. Reward behaviors, not underlying states—The reinforcement principle works great when it comes to behaviors. Don’t get caught up in trying to reward an attitude, a disposition, or an intention of the other party. My rule of thumb is to stick to whatever behaviors can be pointed to. For example, don’t try to reinforce someone for speaking truthfully. However, reward someone for opening up his binder or sharing a company report. Be consistent—If you sometimes reward a given behavior and sometimes fail to acknowledge or even perhaps punish that same behavior, you send a mixed message to the other party. Be consistent in your rewards.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle All of the following actions may be considered rewards in most contexts. They build a cooperative foundation and do not require us to make concessions: Smiling Nodding Maintaining eye contact (in many cultures, but eye contact in some cultures can be threatening and a sign of dominance, not liking) Verbal phrases such as “I like that,” or “I appreciate that,” or “That is great,” or even “Tell me more.”
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle The reinforcement principle in contract negotiation revolves around the use of positive reinforcement to influence the behavior and decisions of the other party. Positive reinforcement involves providing rewards or incentives to encourage the desired behavior. It can be a powerful tool in contract negotiations, promoting positive behaviors and facilitating mutually beneficial agreements. However, it requires careful planning, clear communication, and continuous adjustment to be effective.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle Key Concepts of the Reinforcement Principle Positive Reinforcement: Offering rewards or incentives to encourage the desired action. Timing: The reinforcement must be timely to be effective. Consistency: Consistently applying reinforcement to reinforce the desired behavior. Magnitude: The size or value of the reinforcement should be significant enough to influence behavior. Frequency: The reinforcement should be frequent enough to sustain the desired behavior.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle Applying the Reinforcement Principle in Contract Negotiation Identify Desired Outcomes: Clearly define what you want to achieve in the negotiation. This could include terms of payment, delivery schedules, quality standards, etc. Determine Appropriate Reinforcements: Identify what the other party values and what will motivate them. This could include financial incentives, extended contract terms, bonuses for early completion, etc. Communicate Clearly: Make sure the other party understands the link between their behavior and the rewards. For instance, if they agree to a quicker delivery schedule, they will receive a bonus. Use Incremental Rewards: Instead of waiting until the end of the negotiation to offer a reward, provide incremental reinforcements. For example, after agreeing on a major term, offer a small incentive to move forward on another term. Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the negotiation process and be ready to adjust your reinforcement strategy based on the other party’s responses.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle Practical Examples Financial Incentives: Offer a signing bonus or milestone payments for early completion of project phases. Extended Contract Terms: Propose longer contract terms for consistent performance, ensuring ongoing business relations. Preferred Supplier Status: Grant preferred supplier status for meeting certain quality standards, which can result in more business opportunities for the supplier. Training and Support: Offer training programs or additional support for agreeing to adopt new processes or technologies.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle Benefits of Using the Reinforcement Principle Encourages Cooperation: Positive reinforcement fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging both parties to work together towards a mutually beneficial outcome. Builds Trust: Providing consistent and fair reinforcements can build trust between the negotiating parties. Increases Efficiency: Clear incentives can streamline the negotiation process by reducing resistance and promoting quicker agreements. Enhances Relationship: Positive reinforcement can help in building a long-term relationship, making future negotiations easier.
Truth 26. The reinforcement principle Challenges and Considerations Over-reliance on Rewards: The other party may come to expect rewards for every concession, potentially complicating future negotiations. Misalignment of Incentives: If the rewards are not aligned with the other party’s values or goals, the reinforcement strategy may fail. Balancing Power Dynamics: Ensure that the use of reinforcement does not create a power imbalance that could lead to resentment or unfair practices.
Truth 27. The similarity principle Think about the last social event you attended where you met someone for the first time. Chances are, you spent the first part of your conversation trying to establish a point of similarity. When people meet for the first time, they relentlessly search for a point of similarity. For example, “Do I detect a Texas accent?” “Have you ever met my friend Rhonda?” “Where did you go to school?” The irrepressible urge to find a point of similarity in others is hardwired in most of us. It is our primitive way of sizing up whether someone is friend or foe, threat or opportunity. Someone who is like us might share some of our gene pool and work with us, not against us.
Truth 27. The similarity principle Part of negotiation is trying to find a point of similarity. It is best to do this early on in a negotiation to help grease the wheels for agreement. Evidence for the similarity principle is overwhelming. In one investigation, people were randomly divided into two groups: dot over estimators and dot under estimators. (Everyone had to guess how many dots were on a page.)9 Then each person was informed that he or she was either a dot over estimator or a dot under estimator. (Of course, they were actually told at random if they were dot over estimators or dot under estimators.) Next, they engaged in negotiation with someone who was either described as a dot under estimator or a dot over estimator. The results were dramatic: People behaved much more cooperatively with people who were part of the same dot estimator group. This was shocking because who in the heck cares about dots anyway? The point, however, is worth noting: People cooperate more with others who are supposedly similar to them and compete more with others who are different from them. It certainly behooves all of us to find a point of similarity with the counterparty.
Truth 27. The similarity principle In another investigation, marchers in a political demonstration were more likely to sign a petition if the requester was dressed like them.10 Moreover, they signed the petition without even reading it when the requester was dressed similarly to them! The similarity principle works also for social networks. If you can find a common point of connection that is a similar person, this creates a psychological obligation to like the other person. Suppose, for example, that Mary is negotiating with Ned. They have never met, but Mary learns that Ned knows (and likes) Jose. Mary also likes Jose. This means that Mary and Ned are most likely going to want to get along, to put the entire social network in a state of harmony.
Truth 27. The similarity principle The similarity principle in contract negotiation is based on the psychological concept that people are more likely to favor, agree with, and be persuaded by those whom they perceive as similar to themselves. This principal leverages commonalities to build rapport, trust, and a cooperative atmosphere, ultimately facilitating more effective negotiations. The similarity principle can be a valuable strategy in contract negotiation, promoting a positive and collaborative environment. By identifying and highlighting commonalities, negotiators can build rapport, trust, and cooperation, ultimately leading to more successful and amicable agreements.
Truth 27. The similarity principle Key Concepts of the Similarity Principle Perceived Similarity: People tend to have a favorable attitude towards those who share similar interests, backgrounds, values, or experiences. Rapport Building: Establishing a connection based on similarities can make the negotiation process smoother and more amicable. Trust and Cooperation: Similarity fosters trust, making it easier to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
Truth 27. The similarity principle Applying the Similarity Principle in Contract Negotiation Research and Preparation: Before entering negotiations, research the background of the other party. Look for commonalities such as shared professional experiences, educational backgrounds, industry affiliations, hobbies, or cultural aspects. Highlight Common Ground: During the negotiation, subtly emphasize these similarities. This could be through shared experiences in the industry, mutual acquaintances, or common goals for the project. Build Personal Connections: Take time to engage in small talk that may reveal personal similarities, such as shared interests or hobbies. This can be especially effective at the beginning of the negotiation to set a positive tone. Align Goals and Values: Frame your proposals in a way that aligns with the values and objectives of the other party. Demonstrating that you both have a shared vision or similar values can make your proposals more appealing. Use Similar Communication Styles: Adapt your communication style to match that of the other party. If they prefer formal language, mirror that formality. If they are more informal and conversational, adjust accordingly.
Truth 27. The similarity principle Practical Examples Shared Industry Experience: If you both have extensive experience in the same industry, discuss common challenges and successes to create a sense of shared understanding. Mutual Acquaintances: Mentioning mutual contacts can build credibility and a sense of connection. For example, "I believe we both know John from XYZ Company; he often speaks highly of your work.“ Common Goals: Emphasize shared goals, such as delivering a high-quality product or ensuring customer satisfaction. Highlighting these common objectives can create a cooperative rather than adversarial atmosphere. Cultural Similarities: If negotiating internationally, understanding and respecting cultural similarities can enhance rapport. For instance, if both parties value punctuality, make it a point to be very timely in all interactions.
Truth 27. The similarity principle Benefits of Using the Similarity Principle Enhanced Rapport: Establishing a connection through similarities can make negotiations more pleasant and constructive. Increased Trust: Similarities can build trust, making the other party more open to your proposals. Better Cooperation: A cooperative atmosphere can lead to more creative solutions and win-win outcomes. Reduced Conflict: Perceived similarities can reduce resistance and the likelihood of conflicts.
Truth 27. The similarity principle Challenges and Considerations Avoiding Overemphasis: Overemphasizing similarities or appearing insincere can backfire. Authenticity is crucial. Balancing Differences: While similarities are important, acknowledge and respect differences to avoid appearing disingenuous or ignoring critical aspects of the negotiation. Cultural Sensitivity: Be culturally sensitive and avoid assuming similarities that may not exist. Misunderstandings can arise from cultural missteps.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle In one investigation, people were asked to guess how many African countries are in the United Nations.11 Most people don’t know the answer to this question without doing a Google search, so they guess. In this particular study, people were standing in front of a wheel of fortune. Half of the time, the researcher spun the wheel of fortune, and it landed on a high number (such as 100); the other half of the time, the number was much lower (such as 10). How did the random wheel-of-fortune number affect people’s judgments about the number of African countries in the United Nations? Even though it is illogical for a random number to have anything to do with making this guess, it strongly affected people’s judgments. The people who saw the high number adjusted their guess downward, but not downward enough. (The average guess was 50.) The people who saw the low number adjusted their guess upward, but not upward enough. (The average guess was 15.) The actual number of African countries in the United Nations is 53
Truth 28. The anchoring principle What is interesting about the wheel-of-fortune study is that everybody knows that wheels of fortune are based on chance. Thus, in some sense, people should have completely discounted the number that was displayed on the wheel of fortune. This brings up another important point about the anchoring effect: Even when the initial anchor is obviously arbitrary or downright silly, it still exerts a powerful impact on people’s judgments. The anchoring effect refers to the fact that people tend to make judgments based upon an initial starting point and then adjust upward or downward, but they fail to make sufficiently large adjustments.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Another example: People were asked to guess how many physicians were listed in the Manhattan phone book. Certainly, no one knows that information off the top of her head. Some people were first asked whether the number was greater than or less than 100. Other people were first asked whether the number was greater than or less than 1,000,000. Obviously, there are more than 100 doctors in Manhattan, but certainly there aren’t as many as a million. However, these two different anchors caused people to make very different guestimates about the number of physicians in Manhattan. In negotiation, your opening offer acts as an anchor—and so does the counterparty’s opening offer. This means that a counterparty’s outrageous opening offer may psychologically anchor your own perceptions about what you can attain in the negotiation. I have seen several negotiators get “pulled out to sea” when the other party drops an aggressive opening anchor. The solution? Determine your opening proposal before hearing the counterparty’s opening.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Anchors can be numbers, but they can also be your supporting arguments and data. Anchors have more staying power when they are supplemented with facts, data, and logic. Thus, it is much more powerful to justify your opening offer with relevant information and facts than to simply state the offer.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle The anchoring principle in contract negotiation is a cognitive bias where the first piece of information presented (the "anchor") serves as a reference point and heavily influences subsequent judgments and decisions. This principle can significantly impact the negotiation process, often shaping the final outcomes in favor of the party who sets the initial anchor. The anchoring principle is a powerful tool in contract negotiations that can significantly influence outcomes. By setting strategic anchors and effectively countering those set by the other party, negotiators can guide the process toward more favorable terms.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Key Concepts of the Anchoring Principle Initial Offer as an Anchor: The first offer or proposal sets a reference point that can sway the direction and outcome of the negotiation. Psychological Influence: Even if the initial anchor is arbitrary, it tends to influence perceptions and decisions. Strategic Positioning: The initial anchor can be used strategically to frame the negotiation in a favorable light for the party setting it.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Applying the Anchoring Principle in Contract Negotiation Set the Anchor: Be the first to make an offer or proposal. Ensure that this initial anchor is strategically advantageous for you. It should be ambitious but within a range that can be justified. Justify Your Anchor: Provide a strong rationale for your initial offer. Use data, market research, precedents, and logical arguments to support your position. This makes the anchor more credible and harder to dismiss. Anticipate Counteroffers: Be prepared for the other party to counter your anchor. Plan responses and concessions in advance to ensure that you maintain control over the negotiation process. Countering Anchors: If the other party sets the initial anchor, re-anchor by making a counter-offer that brings the negotiation closer to your target. Provide a compelling rationale for why your counter-anchor is more appropriate. Use Anchors in Different Areas: Utilize multiple anchors in various aspects of the negotiation, such as price, delivery timelines, quality standards, and payment terms. This can create a comprehensive framework that influences the overall agreement.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Practical Examples Initial Pricing: If you are selling a service, set an initial price that is higher than your minimum acceptable amount. This high anchor can make subsequent offers and counteroffers more favorable. Project Timelines: Propose a project timeline that includes some buffer time. This gives you room to negotiate while still meeting realistic deadlines. Quality Standards: Set high standards for quality in your initial proposal. This can anchor the discussion around maintaining high-quality outputs, which can be beneficial if quality is a critical factor. Payment Terms: Start with payment terms that are favorable to you, such as a higher upfront payment or shorter payment cycles. This sets a precedent that can influence the final terms.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Benefits of Using the Anchoring Principle Influences Outcomes: Effectively set anchors can steer the negotiation in your favor, leading to better terms. Establishes Control: By setting the anchor, you take the initiative and can guide the direction of the negotiation. Shapes Perceptions: Anchors can shape the other party’s perceptions of what is reasonable or possible.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Challenges and Considerations Aggressive Anchors: Setting an anchor that is too aggressive can backfire, potentially leading to a breakdown in negotiations. Credibility: The anchor must be credible and justifiable. Unsupported or unrealistic anchors can damage your negotiating position. Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your anchor in response to new information or counteroffers. Rigidity can be detrimental.
Truth 28. The anchoring principle Countering the Anchoring Effect Recognize the Anchor: Be aware of when the other party is setting an anchor. Identifying it helps mitigate its influence. Re-anchor: Respond with your own anchor to shift the reference point. Focus on Information: Gather and present objective data to dilute the impact of the anchor. Take Time: Deliberate before responding to the anchor. This helps in reducing its immediate psychological impact.
Truth 29. The framing principle Which would you rather have? A. $10,000 for sure or B. A 50–50 chance of winning $20,000 or nothing This tantalizing proposition is an approach–approach conflict because both options are pretty attractive. (We’d like both of them!) However, we have a little bit of an internal conflict in choosing because as much as we would like to get $20,000, there is a 50 percent chance that we would walk away with nothing. When most people are given the A or B choice, the large majority choose A. (About 85 percent of the students in my MBA and executive courses would rather have $10,000 for sure than a 50–50 chance of winning twice as much money.) This phenomenon illustrates a basic tenet of human behavior called risk aversion. When it comes to choosing among attractive courses of action, most people would rather have a bird in the hand than go beating around the bush.
Truth 29. The framing principle However, let’s turn the tables around. Imagine that someone has you at gunpoint in a dark alley, late at night, and offers you the following choice: C. Lose $10,000 or D. Submit to a 50–50 chance of losing $20,000 or nothing (To make this seem more real, imagine that this person has the ability to extract this money from you.) This is an avoidance–avoidance conflict because neither option is attractive. In fact, both options suck. However, you are being held at gunpoint, and you have to choose. The majority of people in this situation choose the gamble—in other words, they opt to flip the coin and take a risk that they might lose a huge sum of money, but they might not end up losing anything. This behavior illustrates a basic tenet of human behavior called risk-seeking behavior.
Truth 29. The framing principle But now we have a conundrum: How can people be both risk averse and risk seeking? This is where Nobel Prize–winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman of Princeton University comes to the rescue. According to Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, whether people avoid or embrace risk depends upon how the problem or decision is framed.13 When people are asked to make approach–approach decisions (that is, choosing a sure good thing or a gamble that might lead to something much more attractive), most people are risk averse. However, if that same problem is framed as an avoidance–avoidance problem, the tables turn and people are much more likely to gamble! Indeed, almost any decision in our lives can be framed as a gain or a loss relative to something. Quite frankly, our point of reference for defining gains and losses is pretty arbitrary. A reference point defines what a person considers to be a gain or a loss. Savvy negotiators know how to frame the offers they make to the other party by carefully selecting points of reference.
Truth 29. The framing principle Max Bazerman, Tom Magliozzi, and Margaret Neale demonstrated the powerful framing effecting negotiation. They told some negotiators that they should try to “cut their losses”; they told other negotiators that they should try to “maximize their gains.”14 However, in both cases, their objective financial situations were completely identical. In other words, the only difference was how the negotiators framed their own financial situation. Bazerman, Magliozzi, and Neale expected that the negotiators who were told to cut their losses would behave a lot like the person confronted in the dark alley: In other words, they would behave in a much more risk-seeking fashion. That is what happened: Negotiators who were put the mindset of cutting their losses made fewer concessions in the negotiation and reached more impasses than did negotiators who were told to maximize their gains. In short, these negotiators took a gamble by refusing all offers in hand and decided on a risky course of action that involved walking away from a sure deal (in hopes of a better deal!).
Truth 29. The framing principle This effect clearly shows that negotiators who have the mindset of minimizing their losses adopt more risky bargaining strategies, preferring to hold out for a better but more risky settlement. In contrast, negotiators who are told to maximize their gains are more likely to take the bird in the hand. Obviously, it is in your best interest to put your opponent in a “gain” frame. This will increase the chance that the opponent will take your offer. If the counterparty views your proposal as a loss, he will do something risky, like stalking out of the room. The framing effect is a powerful, two-edged sword: You can frame others, but you can also be framed! So, before any negotiation, think about your reference points!
Truth 29. The framing principle The framing principle in contract negotiation involves presenting information in a way that influences the perception and decision-making of the other party. By strategically framing proposals, terms, and conditions, negotiators can steer discussions and outcomes in their favor. The framing principle is a powerful tool in contract negotiation that can shape perceptions and influence decisions. By strategically presenting information and emphasizing benefits, risks, or comparisons, negotiators can guide the process towards favorable outcomes. Effective framing requires a deep understanding of the other party’s needs, careful preparation, and the ability to present information clearly and convincingly.
Truth 29. The framing principle Key Concepts of the Framing Principle Context and Presentation: The way information is presented can significantly affect how it is perceived and acted upon. Positive vs. Negative Framing: Information can be framed in a positive light (emphasizing benefits) or a negative light (highlighting drawbacks). Relative Comparison: Framing can involve comparing options or scenarios to make one appear more favorable.
Truth 29. The framing principle Applying the Framing Principle in Contract Negotiation Positive Framing: Emphasize the benefits of your proposal. Highlight how the other party will gain value, save money, or achieve their goals. For example, instead of saying “This project will cost $100,000,” say “This project will generate $500,000 in revenue.” Negative Framing: Highlight potential losses or risks if the other party does not agree to your terms. For example, “Delaying this project could lead to missed market opportunities and increased costs.” Anchoring with Framing: Combine framing with anchoring by setting an initial anchor that is framed positively. For example, if you set a high price, frame it in terms of superior quality or long-term savings. Comparative Framing: Present multiple options where one is clearly more favorable. This can guide the other party towards choosing the option you prefer. For example, “Option A is a basic package for $50,000, while Option B includes additional services and long-term support for $75,000, offering better overall value.” Outcome Framing: Frame outcomes to emphasize positive results. For instance, when discussing contract terms, focus on how the terms will lead to a successful partnership rather than just the specifics of the terms themselves.
Truth 29. The framing principle Practical Examples Cost Savings: Frame cost proposals in terms of savings. For example, “By choosing our solution, you’ll save 20% on operational costs annually.” Risk Mitigation: When proposing terms that might seem stringent, frame them as necessary risk mitigation measures. For example, “These quality controls are in place to ensure we meet industry standards and avoid costly penalties.” Time Efficiency: Emphasize time savings and efficiency. For instance, “Our streamlined process will reduce project completion time by 30%, allowing you to market sooner.” Value Proposition: Highlight the unique value your proposal brings. For example, “This partnership will provide you with exclusive access to our latest technology, keeping you ahead of competitors.”
Truth 29. The framing principle Benefits of Using the Framing Principle Influences Perception: Effective framing can make your proposal appear more attractive. Guides Decision-Making: Framing helps the other party see the advantages of your terms and can lead to quicker agreements. Builds Consensus: Positive framing can build a cooperative atmosphere, facilitating mutual understanding and agreement.
Truth 29. The framing principle Challenges and Considerations Over-Framing: Overly optimistic framing can lead to unrealistic expectations or perceived manipulation. Authenticity: The framing must be genuine and based on real benefits and drawbacks to maintain credibility. Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural differences that may affect how framing is perceived.
Truth 29. The framing principle Countering Negative Framing Reframe: If the other party uses negative framing, reframe their points positively. For example, if they say, “This term limits our flexibility,” you could respond, “This term ensures consistency and reliability in our partnership.” Focus on Facts: Provide objective data and evidence to counteract negative framing. This can help bring the discussion back to a neutral ground. Acknowledge and Redirect: Acknowledge the negative framing but redirect to positive aspects. For example, “While there is a cost involved, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expense.”