Negotiation

 Negotiation is a strategic discussion that resolves an issue in a way that both parties find acceptable. In a negotiation, each party tries to persuade the other to agree with his or her point of view. By negotiating, all involved parties try to avoid arguing but agree to reach some form of compromise. Negotiations involve some give and take, which means one party will always come out on top of the negotiation. The other, though, must concede, even if that concession is nominal. Parties involved in negotiations can vary. They can include talks between buyers and sellers, an employer and prospective employee, or between the governments of two or more countries.

Negotiations involve two or more parties who come together to reach some end goal through compromise or resolution that is agreeable to all those involved. One party will put its position forward, while the other will either accept the conditions presented or counter with its own position. The process continues until both parties agree to a resolution.

Participants learn as much as possible about the other party's position before a negotiation begins including what the strengths and weaknesses of that position are, how to prepare to defend their positions, and any counter-arguments the other party will likely make.

The length of time it takes for negotiations to take place depends on the circumstances. Negotiation can take as little as a few minutes, or, in more complex cases, much longer.

  “Everything is negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.”

                                                                                                              -Carrie Fisher