Tag Archives: negotiations

When an Agreement Can’t be Reached

Negotiations are a part of many of our businesses—we might have to negotiate for contracts or to try to make sales, or we may find ourselves negotiating with a colleague or vendor. Despite the best intentions or even if we are rather skilled in the negotiation department, there are going to be those time when we just cannot reach an agreement with the other party… We have all been there—you have talked and talked and tried to find common ground and come to a mutually satisfactory agreement and there are just deal-breakers; those hurdles that cannot seem to be cleared. … Continue reading →

Negotiating With the Ex–It May Take a Few Meetings for the Tough Decisions

I have written before about the realities of negotiating big parenting decisions with your child’s other parent. It can be a tough situation that takes tact, diplomacy and getting your mind just right before you even enter into the discussions. Even with all this preparation and care, the conversations might not go well, and it might take more than one conversation before you are able to come to an agreement. I don’t know about you, but during my separation and after my divorce, I wanted to talk to my children’s father as little as possible. I was so focused on … Continue reading →

How’s Your Poker Face?

There are plenty of times when a warm, friendly smile and a gregarious handshake is just what your business needs. At other times, perhaps when you are discussing money or negotiating, when what you need is a successful “poker face.” The trick to a good business poker face is to maintain a pleasant demeanor, while being as neutral and calm as possible. It is important to neither grimace or smile–or really make any kind of face at all. This includes little things like tightening your neck or raising your eyebrows. Keep your face relaxed and neutral. It is important not … Continue reading →

Finding Things You CAN Agree On

I know from experience that it is much easier to focus on the ways and things that two divorced parents DON’T agree on. After all, we didn’t get divorced because we were so incredibly compatible. As two households and two different parenting styles take shape after a separation or divorce, it can seem like there’s no way to find common ground. BUT, for the sake of the children, finding things that you can agree on, gives you and the other parent a place to build cooperation and compromise. Instead of zeroing in on all the ways you and your children’s … Continue reading →