How Do You Apply Golden Rule No. 4 When Things Get Difficult?

In all those circumstances in which the other party is in a strong position but time is not against you, you should use the delayed response tactic. This is generally the most effective technique, provided that you are still perceived as a credible decision maker and valid negotiator (at least for a certain length of time).

How can you proceed if time is against you?

  • Vis-à-vis the other party. It is imperative that you apply principle 2 (say no before you say yes) and principle 5 (ever smaller concessions). If you can, propose concessions subject to rapid agreement.
  • Vis-à-vis yourself. Be prepared to take reasonable risks by giving a little less ground than may seem necessary.
  • In ...

Get The Five Golden Rules of Negotiation now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.