All posts with the ‘ communication ’ Tag

It should come as a shock to no one that I am a big fan of agreements in writing.  You might think it’s the lawyer in me that likes agreements written out and explained.  It is not.  It is the lazy person in me.… Read More

If you haven’t read the full text of the speech President Obama gave at Notre Dame this past weekend, do yourself a favor and go check it out.  It is not only a beautiful speech, thoughtful, compassionate, humble and humorous, it underscores for me, yet again, what an accomplished negotiator we have hanging out in the White House these days.

Negotiation is problem solving.  … Read More

As a society we’re sort of obsessed with losing things.

Losing your mind; your virginity; control; face; weight; your religion; your grip; your hair; touch; ground.

Generally speaking, we associate “losing” with things that are bad (OK, except maybe the virginity thing).

So it shouldn’t come as a shock that psychologically humans hate losing more than we like winning.  A lot more.

Radio Lab did … Read More

Shockingly, one of the things they don’t really teach you in law school is how to negotiate.  They sort of expect that you know how to do it and that if you don’t, you’ll learn fast enough once you’re kicked out of the nest.

Looking back at my first year as a lawyer, I’m kind of amazed at some of the things I tried in … Read More

‘Tis the season for questions.

I am a big fan of asking questions during a negotiation.  As a means of gathering information, asking questions is about 10 times easier than being imprinted with the skills of a covert spy, breaking into the NSA and stealing a planted file, all while running in high heels.  (er, “spoiler.”)

But not all questions are created … Read More

For those of you that went, welcome back from Emerald City!  I took crazy advantage of a whole weekend of sunshine and spent most of my time outside.  It was lovely.  I’ve got a post or two in the hopper, but in the mean time, I offer a few more Ninja Tips.  Enjoy.

1.  Good freelancers refer other good freelancers.

Knowing when to say “No” … Read More

You know how in the movies, when they’re talking about negotiations, and to underscore how important it is some fat, hairy man with too many gold chains says, “Name your price”?

I hate that part.

I hate that part because it’s the wrong thing to focus on.  It’s like haggling without knowing what the currency is.  If the price is 5,000, wouldn’t you prefer knowing … Read More

Blah, blah, blah, interests, blah, blah.

Am I right?

Ok, fair enough.  You need proof.  I get that.

You just have to do something for me in your next 3 negotiation conversations (talking with the spouse about making dinner? counts!  navigating a tricky situation with a co-worker?  counts!  just about any conversation you have while traveling?  counts!).

Ask questions.

BEFORE you make a decision about … Read More