The Power of Acceptance

Time and again we’ve all watched people disagree at meetings. What’s interesting is that when people start to take sides, they almost always look away from one another or cross their arms while they emotionally distance themselves. By doing this, people unconsciously create obstacles and barriers in negotiations.

A good way to keep negotiations productive and avoid resistance is to stay positively connected to each other when negotiating. If we see the other party as the enemy, we create mental and emotional resistance; rather, if we see the other party as a friend, we set the tone of acceptance and expand the possibilities of a win-win negotiation.

Remember, every time we look away, turn away, or move away from another person we are creating distance and disconnecting. Understanding these subtle signals give us a tremendous advantage in negotiations. When we send positive signals, we are eliminating obstacles and creating an environment for smooth negotiations.

Morning Zen

Every morning, I wake up early for the pleasure of a five or ten minute walk in the garden. As I silently walk down the garden path, I notice the sunlight in the trees, the sound of the morning birds, and the smell of the fragrant flowers.

Each day, the ever subtle changes in the garden throughout the seasons teach me the importance of being aware of everything around me. Spending a few minutes in nature gives me a feeling of calmness and serenity that stays with me throughout the day.