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Negotiation is like a dance, where every step counts and every move shapes the outcome. As a savvy negotiator, diving into the depths of negotiation philosophies opens a world of possibilities in crafting successful agreements. Let's embark on this journey together as we explore key negotiation philosophies, their nuances, and how they influence the art of negotiation.

1. Win-Win Negotiation Philosophy

Imagine negotiating not as a battle but as a harmonious collaboration where everyone wins. For me, this philosophy of win-win negotiation is about creating value for all parties involved. I picture two companies coming together not just to seal a deal but to uncover shared benefits like cost savings, market expansion, or synergistic resources. The beauty of win-win lies in building lasting trust, fostering creativity, and crafting outcomes that leave everyone feeling satisfied.

2. Win-Lose (Zero-Sum) Negotiation Philosophy

Now, contrast this with the win-lose, or zero-sum, approach,...

Written by: Reizel Larrea-Alvarez, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & Founder of Negotiation Synergy™

Remember this?

Famously known as "The Dress", this photo became a viral internet sensation back in 2015 when viewers disagreed over whether the color of the dress was black and blue or white and gold.

If this is your first time seeing this picture, what do you see? Now go ask a few people around you and watch what happens. 

If you have seen it before, then chances are that you, like me, were blown away by the fact that people could look at the same exact picture and yet experience something totally different.

I remember when I first saw The Dress I told my husband it was white and gold and he said he saw it in black and blue. At first, I didn't believe him. I thought he was trying to trick me or pulling a fast one on me. I was certain I was right and he was wrong. 

The Dress is a prime example of perspective. 

So what does this all have to do...

Written by: Reizel Larrea-Alvarez, Emmy Award-Winning Journalist & Founder of Negotiation Synergy™

Synergy: An interaction or cooperation giving rise to a whole that is greater than the individual sum of its parts.

If you look closely, you'll realize that nothing in this world exists on its own... including us! As human beings, we rely upon each other's unique skills and talents to survive, collaborate and evolve. It's at the core of what business, government, and community are all about! The greatest inventions, discoveries and initiatives that exist today are a result of people working together, in synergy, to make change and fulfill the unimaginable. When we work together, we co-create outcomes that are greater than what could have been accomplished individually. Synergy is what moves the human race forward.

For instance, look at how many people it took to put a man on the moon! Rob Ashton said it best in an article he wrote on the 50th anniversary of putting...