This is a very practical question my boss asked me early today:
Any ideas about "how to negotiate with people you don't like?" Might be your colleagues, a rude customer, or even someone from your family...
Gosh I really didn't know what to say. The only thing I know for sure is that I'll never forget and forgive these kind of people, regardless of who they are. Yet technically speaking, I'm not very good at handling these people.
So,
Anyone has a better answer to this question?
Socrates tells that "“Be nicer than necessary to everyone you meet. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle.” This is true. If we are nice to good people only, then we are nothing but a mirror type reflector, if we are nice with even problematic people, then we are seasoned individuals. One should never do wrong in return, nor mistreat any man, no matter how one has been mistreated by him. That's the true beginning of nobility.
The common joke in boardrooms would be to suggest ‘Il Principe’ of Machiavelli as a mandatory read.
Although maintaining a proper level of respect as suggested by the previous commentator is a well made observation, there is a broad spectrum of practical realities to take into account as well.
For example, are you dealing with an employee somewhere in the corporate chain or with a transaction counterparty? Are you pursuing a “one off” deal or do you intend to establish a long lasting commercial relationship? Are there certain (corporate) governance, cultural or cross-border elements to adhere to? Are you dealing at arm’s length and what are the respective bargaining powers? Common goals (e.g. if within the same organization)? What is customary within the sector or industry?
In short the unsatisfactory answer: it depends (although some basic human traits would be helpful regardless of the situation).
