As we step into 2025, the world feels more polarised than ever. Differences in opinions, values, and priorities can make finding common ground feel like an impossible task. Yet, the need for common understanding has never been more crucial. Whether you’re negotiating in the boardroom, resolving conflicts in your personal life, or working to build bridges in divided communities, the ability to foster shared perspectives is key to success.

At The Negotiation Club, we believe that negotiation isn’t just about getting what you want; it’s about creating a space where everyone can feel heard, understood, and valued. And that begins with common understanding.

Why Common Understanding Matters

1. Strengthens Relationships: When people feel understood, they are more likely to trust and cooperate. This trust forms the foundation of long-term partnerships.
2. Reduces Conflict: Misunderstandings often escalate into disputes. By clarifying intentions and perspectives, we can prevent many conflicts before they arise.
3. Unlocks Creativity: Shared understanding allows teams to brainstorm better solutions by aligning on mutual goals.
4. Builds Bridges in Polarised Times: In an age where differences can feel divisive, common understanding helps us see the humanity behind opposing viewpoints.

Techniques & Tactics for Building Common Understanding

Over the years at The Negotiation Club, we’ve explored a range of practical tactics to help negotiators enhance their skills. Here are some key techniques and their corresponding Negotiation Cards:

1. Active Listening

• What It Is: Focusing fully on what the other person is saying, without interrupting or pre-judging.
• How to Practice: Use reflective listening by summarising and confirming the other person’s points.
• Negotiation Card: “Pause, Consider, Respond” – Encourages negotiators to slow down and truly absorb what’s being said before reacting.

2. Empathy Mapping

• What It Is: Understanding the other party’s emotions, motivations, and concerns.
• How to Practice: Ask yourself: “What are they thinking? Feeling? Worrying about?”
• Negotiation Card: “In My Shoes” – A card focused on fostering empathy through perspective-taking.

3. T.E.D. Questions (Tell, Explain, Describe)

• What It Is: Asking open-ended questions to uncover deeper reasoning and motivations.
• How to Practice: Use questions like:
  • “Can you tell me more about why this matters?”
  • “How would you describe the ideal outcome?”
• Negotiation Card: “T.E.D. Questions” – Develops the habit of asking powerful, exploratory questions.

4. Finding Areas of Agreement

• What It Is: Starting with shared goals or values to create rapport and a foundation for collaboration.
• How to Practice: Look for common priorities or objectives before addressing disagreements.
• Negotiation Card: “Build Relations” – Focuses on strengthening relationships as a first step in negotiation.

5. Reframing Contentious Issues

• What It Is: Restating divisive points in neutral, inclusive language to reduce defensiveness.
• How to Practice: Replace phrases like “You’re wrong” with “That’s an interesting perspective; let’s explore it further.”
• Negotiation Card: “Anchoring Reference” – A tactic to pre-frame discussions to reduce bias and promote fairness.

6. Practicing Patience

• What It Is: Taking the time to build rapport, gather information, and allow discussions to unfold naturally.
• How to Practice: Focus on slowing down and chasing the deal without rushing.
• Negotiation Card: “Patience” – A new card that emphasises the value of waiting for the right moment.

Join Our Free Monthly Taster Sessions

To help you develop these skills and experience the power of practice, we’re launching free monthly taster sessions in 2025! These sessions are perfect for anyone who’s never practiced with us before. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to negotiation, these tasters provide a safe, supportive environment to:

• Experiment with the techniques and tactics described above.
• Learn how to use Negotiation Cards in real-time scenarios.
• Boost your confidence and skillset through hands-on practice.

When?

• Fourth Thursday of every month
• 6:00 PM (evening session) UK time

Where?

• Online via Zoom

Let’s Make 2025 the Year of Understanding

At The Negotiation Club, we believe negotiation isn’t just a skill for closing deals—it’s a way to create connection, resolve conflict, and find shared solutions. As the world grows more complex, let’s commit to building bridges instead of walls. Join us this year to sharpen your skills, deepen your understanding, and become a better negotiator.

Start your journey today. Register for a free taster session and experience the difference that practice makes.

Together, let’s negotiate a better world in 2025.