Negotiation
Here is my pre-flection. I just found an article on negotiation between Iran and the EU. Here is the address to the article: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=75770 .Through the article, I learn that the negotiation was about stopping the atomic project that Iran has been working on. Even though the talk was positive and constructive, it was indecisive in the end. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejah said he is open to negotiation. However, he still criticized the Western's demand to stop Iranian's atomic work. He also added that the Iranian nation will not bend with the international force and pressure. In my understanding, to negotiate is to give up something in order to get what you want. Negotiation is a process. It can take from 5 minutes to 5 years. In addition, negotiation requires lots of effort in order to make it work. It also requires patience, understanding and respect. For example, I was suppose to work on Friday from 5:30 to 9:00. However, someone called sick that day so my boss asked me to fill in. He asked me to work from 5:30 to 10:00. Unfortunately, I can't do it. Therefore, I offered to be there earlier than my schedule and everything worked out quiet well. I got the time I wanted to work and my boss had an easier trying to find a person to fill in the space. However, I still think I could have done something better next time by staying until 9:30, which is the average between my original time and I also used negotiation in school and at home. Negotiation is a part of the communication and we need to communicate to fulfill our own needs.

Here is my reflection on the art of negotiation. First of all, we should negotiate on the merits of the problems. Use principled negotiations such as viewing participants in negotiations as problem solvers. Also, view the goal as achieving a wise outcome efficiently and amicably, not just reaching an agreement or winning. Secondly, separate the people from the problem. We should be soft on the people and hard on the problem. In addition, proceed whether or not you trust your opponent. We should focus on interests not positions. Try exploring one another's interests like what they really want, feel, think or need. Keep in mind this is more than making offers, counter-offers or threats. Avoid fixating on a bottom line. You should invent options for mutual gain by using brainstorming to invent multiple options. Don't judge the options during the brainstorming and decide later which options are best fit your situation. Lastly, use objective criteria. You should focus attention on standards that are independent of the feelings or will of the negotiators. Have some senses by using logic and reasons. Yield to an argument or presentation that is based on reason and principle instead of the one based on pressure. It is helpful to prepare yourself before negotiation. Ask questions like what is your bottom line, what can you afford to give up and what can you not afford to lose. Get to know your BATNA, which is best alternative to a negotiated agreement. The better your BATNA, the greater is your power. Also, think about the other party's BATNA as you go. To ensure a win-win situation, plan the sequence. Also, raise the less contentious issue first. Assess opponent’s objective and identify the common ground. In conclusion, anticipate response and prepare answer.

Application: I often use negotiation, especially with my mom. For example, last week, I was supposed to clean my room. However, I set up a study group with my friend, Sarah to study for the midterm make-up. So I decide to use the art of democracy, negotiation with my mom. I explained to her my reason for not cleaning up the room. Then I asked for her interest. She explained to me why I need to clean up my room and offer what she thought I can do to make it up. In the end, I didn’t have to clean up my room on that Sunday but in return, I have to clean up the fish’s tank all by myself. Well, at least I got what I want and smelling like fish for a few hours wasn’t as bad as it sounds.