Devotionals
Negotiations Part 2
On the 23rd of this month, we discussed on Wisdom For Negotiations. Please read that vignette again. Today, we will focus on another aspect of negotiation. According to Leigh Thompson, negotiation is an “interpersonal decision-making process” that is “necessary whenever we cannot achieve our objectives single-handedly.” We quoted Amanda Jackson describing negotiation as, ” …a strategic discussion between two parties to resolve an issue in a way that both find acceptable.” Today, Jephthah is on this again with the elders of Gilead. Jephthah desires restoration on the year that the cankerworms and caterpillars had eaten. The elders swore by Jehovah. Do me a favour. Don’t just give in. Advance your strong reasons so you will be justified. Katie Shonk of Harvard Law school identifies seven elements that can help is improve negotiations. She says, ” The Seven Elements framework describes the essential tools needed to identify our goals, prepare effectively to minimize surprises, and take advantage of opportunities as they arise in negotiations”. They are interest, legitimacy, relationships, alternatives, options, commitments and communications. Jephthah did not attend Harvard law school, but he knew negotiations by the school of hard knocks. Don’t just give in, get the best deal. But be wise to know when to say yes. Jephthah got his deal. The rest is history. They will not cheat you out of your covenant rights. God is with you to get to the top.