Negotiation
Negotiation means a direct bargaining process among the parties to conflict, conducted with the goal of achieving a solution. Negotiation can also take place between parties who each want something from the other and have something to offer in return. It is a process widely used in business, personal and political life. The distinguishing characteristic of this technique is that the parties themselves talk without the direct assistance of a third party.
Partners trains leaders in communication and advocacy skills to help groups negotiate more effectively. We help parties move from intransigent positions to understanding the underlying interests, needs, relationships, and values that motivate the dispute, so that mutually agreed upon solutions are more likely to satisfy all parties involved. Negotiation and communication are core skills essential for the full range of Partner's work, such as mediation, cooperative advocacy, participatory decision making, and cross-sector dialogue processes. Furthermore, training cross-sector groups together on fundamental skills like negotiation and facilitation helps break down barriers, enhances collaboration and establishes new patterns of communication.
After the U.S. invasion in 2003, the conflict in Iraq developed along religious and sectarian lines, necessitating building the capacity of Iraqi leaders to initiate participatory processes that bring tangible results while also bridging ethnic and religious divides. Partners Jordan organized two training sessions for Iraqi participants focused on negotiation, effective communication, cooperative planning, and project development skills who in turn applied these skills to address pressing issues in their communities. These efforts contributed to developing a democratic culture capable of addressing conflict. More...
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