The term ‘common ground’ indicates that two sides agree to
disagree. The commonality of that statement is that both sides are already
agreeing that something is wrong. The fact that they are speaking at all
represents the mindset for a need to correct a difficult situation. Common
ground is already at hand.
Very often the greatest time spent is that of getting to know and
understand the needs of the two sides. It is time well spent. Each side may
have a ‘checklist’ of needs, but do they know the ‘why’ and ‘how’ the checklist
came to be? The ‘getting to know you time’ will bring together the human
interest dimension to the equation of negotiation.
We can also bring to the table a list of ‘how-to-negotiate’
skills. This list may include cooperation, understanding, forgiveness,
kindness, hope, gratitude and caring. Knowing the skills is not enough.
Applying them is a must. Knowing shows the skills, talking states intent, but
negotiating, the give and take, is the action to seal the deal.
Recognition through the art of negotiating states that your values
are as important as mine. It also represents that two heads can be, and usually
are, better than one. Two bright ideas when brought together can shine and
reflect even greater light like sunlight through a crystal prism.
Common ground can light the world.
Cathy
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