Striving for 51–49
In our professional lives 50–50 is an ideal we strive for, but the true objective we should be working towards is 51–49. In these cases both sides get what they want, but you come out slightly ahead. This gap is not so big that it feels like the other side is being ripped off and you get most of what you want.
So the key question is how do we get to this point of being slightly ahead?
The first step is to make sure the key needs of every party are being met. This means the primary objective or the reason for entering a deal or partnership are completed. For example, if we looked at business partnership the key need is that both sides need each other to form the business. But if one person wants to have more control or interest, they may ask to own a slight portion more. Concurrently that may also come with more risk or work that the other person may not want to do. However, if you are in a 9–5 situation you may find yourself struggling to reach that 51% mark. In those cases it is a fine line between getting what you want and what the maximum the organization is willing to offer.
The second step, actually comes before the first step. We know that stakeholder needs to make sure their primary objectives are met. So before we start the entire process, it is vital to have a strong understanding of what their needs are and potential unspoken needs. Doing this will…
