The Bill to reform the National Health Service has finally received Royal Assent, but the debate about the National Health reforms is a good example of not choosing the right negotiating behaviour for the type of negotiation at hand. Every negotiation calls for different behaviours, depending on the subject matter, the stage the negotiation has …
Negotiate, or… ? What are the options for the West over Syria?
As David Cameron and Barack Obama met last week to discuss, amongst other things, the unfolding crisis in Syria and what their possible next steps might be, it seems a good time to pause and consider whether negotiation can still play a role in a potential solution here. Obama has been keen to stress that …
Conflict looms if Iran and West persist with ‘Pressure Tactics’
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 …
Union Negotiations – Progress still hindered by a focus on ‘Content’
The movement in the dispute between Government and Unions over pension contributions is to be welcomed, but the way the negotiations are heading this still feels like an opportunity missed. Some Unions, commencing with NHS Unions (including Unison), appear to have signed or be close to signing heads of agreement which allegedly provide that there …
