Emotions in Negotiation

From Peacebuilding

Contents 1 Purpose 2 Participants 3 Time 4 Materials 5 Process 6 Note

Purpose

To explore participants ideas about emotions in negotiation.

Participants

At least 2 participants, it can be complicate with a group of over 25-30 participants.

Time

It is a quick activity that can be implemented in 5-10 minutes. Though, if a discussion unfolds allow as much time as needed.

Materials

• Flip-chart papers;
• Markers.

Process

I) Write the sentence “emotions in negotiation” in capital letters on the flip chart.

II) Ask participants to come up with ideas related to that sentence - anything. Stimulate participation, quantity is more important than quality. Write all emerging ideas on the flip chart. If necessary use more papers and stick written papers on the wall.

III) Discuss with participants, based on ideas emerged.

IV) Then, divide a flip chart page in 2 parts with a vertical line. Write “positive” on the left column and “negative” on the right one.

V) Ask participants to come up with examples of positive and negative emotions that might be felt when negotiating. Report these on the flip chart.

VI) Focusing on the emotions identified by participants, boost discussion. Questions you can use include:

• Why do you think that this is a negative - or positive – emotion?
• How is it likely to affect negotiation?
• What can be done to deal with this emotion?

Note

You can separate this activity in two parts, and play these at different times during the workshop. The first part of the activity includes steps I to III of the process, the second part includes steps IV to VI.