Friday, May 15, 2009

Negotiations and Strikes

Looking round the world at this time you can see lots of issues developing between unions and employers. Power shifts are key here and in any negotiation you have to look at where the power is and how you can work together for a win win situation. Collaboration for the benefit of all is critical, rather than positional bargaining which is win lose. To cut the jargon, work together to find a solution.

In South Africa for example there is a petrol tankers strike. What a crazy thing to happen when the South African economy is suffering from the recession. Entrenched positions are not helpful. Getting together and listening to the other side and finding out what they really want (including personal agenda's is key to haggling and bargaining.

In salary negotiating find out what are the motivators for your key people which may not be money.