Principles of Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Question: Describe about the terms and Principles of Negotiation? Answer: For a scientist three virtues are very important for a successful scientific career and these are negotiation, persuasion and diplomatic skills. Negotiation is defined as a dialogue conversation in between two or more parties or people to bring an understanding level and to come to an outcome of advantage to both the parties and satisfy views of all the involved people. Persuasion is defined as a view point, keeping own opinion in interest of the work and diplomatic skills are important so that the relationships made in the professional circle could be maintained and preserved which may help in future and in promotion of the career in future. For a successful career and recognition it is very significant for a scientist to pay full attention and become aware of all the things they have experienced in their career. Along with it is equally important to understand the performance and behaviour of the fellow colleagues who have made a remarkable success in this complicated scientific wo rld. Why negotiation is required In science negotiation is required while discussing the method of experiment, in its designing, then in interpreting the results obtained, in making plans for the new or ongoing experiments, making reagents availability, then in giving awards or recognition for those who are involved in the project and most importantly in deciding who will be the main author, second author and so on of the paper. During a scientific project, its management is equally important and for that good management some skills are very necessary as work and people both are important and to manage the whole team require some skills which are keeping in notice about what you think and feel about project. Second is how you anticipate the behaviour and cost of your thinking. Then learning to recognize your strong points, during any tough or conflicting situation learn to control your anger. At the same time be clear about your interests and instead of attacking the person, try to solve the problem. All these skills require self attentiveness and awareness. Learning from Negotiation Negotiation is required as it makes you alert about the interests, needs and belief of other people. It helps people in learning and in observing tough situation so that they may quickly alter their own response and behaviour. It also teach us that most of the times listening could be fruitful than talking and to focus on the underside interests rather than on being stiff at end. Principled Negotiation Principled negotiation is referred mainly because it focuses on the benefits of both the people involved in the conversation. According to one of the authors named William Ury and Roger Fischer who wrote about Principled Negotiation in their Book Getting to Yes (Fisher and Ury1991) and subsequently another book Getting to No (Ury 1993), principled Negotiation is necessary as it helps in focussing on the benefits and interests of both the parties involved. What not to be Negotiated Some situations are beyond the thought of negotiation as, deciding for a scientist who is not performing his duties for the task. In that situation no negotiation is required as it should be a fair decision and a sole judgment. Negotiation in a good faith Sometimes making any decision could be made independently but still you believe to involve people into it for negotiation. So this should be accompanied with self belief and in a manner that doesnt disregard anyone. If you think that you are making a fair and right judgment and stay on it and inform the people involved in decision making but the way of representing your decision should be fair and polite. Prepare yourself first then Negotiate It is very much advisable to first prepare for the topic which is to be negotiated then involve into it because without an insight preparation you may not able to give a clear thought of you side and which may result into confusion and to a controversial discussion. Elements of Principled Negotiation Prepare for the negotiation. Make yourself fully insightful about the matter to be negotiated. Always keep in mind the underlying interest of the whole project in your mind not self interest or interest of your position. Discussion should not focus the person but should focus the problem, so do not use statement as you did that etc. Learn to expand the discussion so that the interest of people could come in front. Learn to manage your strong points (Goleman D. 1995). Dont take any discussion personally (Plouse S. 1993). Always listen to the other party (Lynn A.B. 2002) and be compassionate (Burns D.D. 1990). Control your anger and alter your behaviour. References: 1. Burns D.D. 1990. The feeling Good Handbook. Plume/Penguin. New York.2. Fisher R. And Ury W. 1991. Getting to Yes. Negotiating Agreement without givingIn. 2nd Penguin Books. New York.3. Goleman D. 1995. Emotional Intelligence: Bantam Books. New York4. Lynn A.B. 2002. Emotional Intelligence Activity Book: 50 Activities for developing EQ at Work. Amacom. HRD Press. New York.5. Plouse S. 1993. The psychology of judgement and decision making. McGraw Hill. New York.6. Ury W. 1993. Getting Past No: negotiating your way from confrontation to cooperation. Bantam books. New York.