Chapter 41
The Fait Accompli
Fait accompli is a French expression meaning “it is done.” For example, by the 16th hole, Tiger Woods’s victory was a fait accompli.
As a negotiating Gambit, it takes on a slightly different meaning.
If you have ever sent someone a check for less than they’re asking and marked the back of the check “Payment in full is acknowledged,” you have used the Fait Accompli Gambit. It’s when one negotiator simply assumes the other will accept the assumed settlement rather than go to the trouble of reopening the negotiations. It works on the principle that it’s a lot easier to beg forgiveness than it is to get permission.
In California and other states, Fait Accompli became so common in the auto repair industry that we passed ...
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