Insights from a seasoned communicator In negotiations, strategy is key. However, when things get heated, strategy and logical arguments become secondary. What comes first? Communication. In my negotiation courses, we focus – among others – on unlocking the potential of skillful communication. When I think about communication talent, one name comes instantly to my mind:…
Read more
I met Damir at my course “Mastering Difficult Negotiations” which I teach for the Executive MBA Programs at the TU Wien – Academy of Continuing Education. From the first hours of the in-class interaction I perceived him as a very attentive and patient listener who asked thoughtful questions and integrated the answers into practice. As…
Read more
Failed takeover or a ploy – what is the mystery surrounding Twitter about? Anyone involved in the world of M&A knows that in many cases in which investors are interested in an acquisition, they change their minds. Sometimes this happens before due diligence, sometimes afterwards. Only in a few cases does the deal actually close.…
Read more
Why is compromise toxic to success? Know what you need to play in the Business Winners’ League. “Let’s compromise.ˮ “Let’s meet in the middleˮ. “Let’s find a fair solution/a fair priceˮ. Sounds reasonable? Maybe. But it doesn’t sound like business and certainly not like winning. I hear this from people who would love to win……
Read more
Just imagine that you are about to buy a new mobile phone and it is not as easy as you thought it would be, quite the opposite. The number of products on offer is generous, the budget rather limited, the decision-making process worrying. Only one thing can save you when you are spoilt for choice…
Read more
Do you think that the greatest “enemy” in negotiations is your opposite number? Yes, you could say that. There are counterparts who are quite strange. They tend not to demand more from you but less. So little, in fact, that you no longer have to negotiate at all because there will soon be nothing left…
Read more
4 things that you can do if you would like to have more role model quality as a leader “I have never been led in such a way that I can say, ‘That’s the kind of leader I would like to be’. I simply lack the role models.” I hear this from many managers, whom…
Read more
“We don’t negotiate, we don’t need that in our organization. We get along well with each other,ˮ the HR manager of a renowned company told me. Regarding the questions: “Are you and your superior always of the same opinion? Have there never been any conflicts in your team? Are your customers always satisfied with your…
Read more
Skillful negotiation solves problems and strengthens cooperation. But the path to a solution is sometimes bumpy, especially when a lot is at stake. I learned early on at the negotiating table how good negotiators deal with bottlenecks – and I learned from the best. Negotiate strategically – a lesson from top class negotiators My first…
Read more
When external project managers encounter resistance As an external project manager, are you familiar with situations like that? The project kick-off 6 months ago was successful, and you could hardly wait to show your client that you are even more capable than he thought. As the project manager, you were full of energy when you…
Read more
