Looking at the increasing tensions over Iran, a game of brinkmanship seems to be playing out. Iran and the West seem to be swapping moves calculated to put pressure on the other. Pressure tactics are fine in a negotiation as long as they are used constructively and selectively. When pressure tactics are the only tactic …
Bargaining Deficiencies Make it Tough Going for Ed Miliband
Poor old Ed Miliband is under a lot of pressure right now with Unions questioning his policies and even his credentials to continue as Labour leader. Len Mcluskey of Unite suggested last week that Labour is on course for electoral defeat and warned of a leadership coup. GMB General Secretary, Paul Kenny, warned that backing …
Strikes highlight important lessons about using ‘Push’ Negotiation tactics
Once again strikes are in the news – but are they just an old fashioned pressure tactic in negotiating terms? It’s not just in the public sector that strikes over reforms to pension plans are taking place. Unilever is facing a rolling wave of strikes as Unions mobilise against reforms of its final salary pension …
Charles or William – Who has the most ‘bargaining power’ in Succession Negotiation?
This is the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and there will be mounting excitement as this happy event approaches in June. Amid the well-deserved plaudits and commendations for the marvellous job done by the Queen and Prince Phillip over the last 60 years, attention may also focus on the succession. The Queen, aged 85, …
More of the same should seal the race for Romney
As the US Republican nomination race continues, the key issue remains which candidate can provide most “reassurance” for mainstream America. At a time of great economic uncertainty, and with the US’ role in leading world affairs under scrutiny, the Republicans need to find a candidate who can make a majority of the US electorate feel …
Scottish Referendum on Independence – When Push and Push Collide
The manoeuvring over the Scottish referendum on independence is going to show what happens when two “pushers” are involved in a negotiation. It looks as though Cameron is trying to push Scotland into an agreed early date for a referendum, and some say over what question is asked, in return for giving the referendum legal …
Liverpool wrong to maintain defiant stance over Suarez
Following the debate about Liverpool’s reaction to the Luis Suarez case, it may be worth observing that when you negotiate and lose, it’s often better to be gracious about it rather than sulky. There is usually another deal to be done at some later point on the same issue or some other matter, so it’s …
