CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
Negotiation Skills...

Make sure you understand the other person and that individual understands you. Be frank with the other person about how you think or feel. No one is a mind reader. Instead of repeating your position over and over, discuss feelings, interests and needs to help stimulate the discussion and break down inflexibility. Determine what is negotiable and what is not. Recognize how you deal with conflict and become familiar with the styles of others. Imagine yourself in the other person's shoes. Learn how anger affects your ability to deal with conflict and learn how to avoid conflict even when you are angry. Look at the issues from a different perspective; attempt to find a common thread that will link you and the other person. Criticize what the person says, not the person. Look for solutions where everyone is a winner. Try to ensure that all parties get what they need, rather than solutions where all get some of what they need.