Advice
Sustainable Living vs. Negotiation – Are they Connected?
Just two days ago I posted an entry about this new topic I will be writing about.
I described my definition of "Sustainable Living" as including much more than "simply" living in a planet-friendly way (as if that weren't already enough of a challenge). I defined it to include every aspect of how we live our lives. I'm specifically thinking about what I call "human-friendly" practices, like taking care of our body, mind, and spirit (aka life force), eating well, having leisure time, getting rest and exercise, and so on.
Given that my firm's work lies in the fields of negotiation, conflict management, and relationship building, one could quite fairly ask the question: why are you writing about this? What the heck does this have to do with what you, your colleagues, and your company do for a living?
I would have no problem simply answering, "Nothing. It's a personal interest, not a business interest, and it's one I think people are interested in hearing about". But, that's not what I believe to be true here.
My goal when I'm working with clients is to help them discover that the best business deals generally aren't actually the ones where they "got one over on" their "opponent". Instead, we illustrate – through real-life examples and exercises – how they can generally do much better over time if they create business arrangements that work for ALL parties. These deals are robust and SUSTAINABLE, as are the relationships they help build. This applies equally well to political or trade agreements within, between, or among countries. We work in settings like that as well.
So, my belief is that there is a direct connection between the notion of sustainable living and one's approach to negotiations and relationships. If you pay attention to the themes we highlight in articles, book reviews, or in the "Negotiation Advice" section of my blog, you will see the link between the two, I believe.
Here's to outcomes that work for all parties involved.
