Shorter reflections, LinkedIn series, and commentary on events, trends, and questions we encounter in our daily work. With the occasional book spotlight. Think of this as our notebook — where ongoing questions meet fresh observations.
The Verdict
🏛️ Twelve evenings.Twelve discussions.No consensus. Benjamin Franklin considers that a success.Augustus considers it time spent.Socrates considers it …
Relationships
🤝 Many negotiators talk about relationships. Few calculate their value. Confucius has been bothered by this since the beginning of the evening. “Why d…
Bluffing
🎭 Almost everyone rejects bluffing. Until it becomes useful. When the subject comes up, Benjamin Franklin grows unusually quiet. Augustus becomes atte…
Red lines
🚧 The most dangerous negotiations don’t end in failure. They end in agreement. And are regretted later. Thomas More has said remarkably little a…
Timing
⌛ The right proposal at the wrong time is still the wrong proposal. Sun Tzu considers that self-evident. The others around the table, apparently, do n…
Coalitions
Many negotiations are won in direct confrontation with the other side. Benjamin Franklin considers that obvious. The others do not. “Why do people alw…