What Do Compromise & Negotiate Have in Common?
In any relationship, compromise and negotiation may be necessary. The relationship can be between a parent and a child, business partners, a teacher and student or two strangers passing on the street. Negotiation occurs when both intended parties give up something in order for the other party to be satisfied whereas a compromise requires one side to give up something for the happiness for the other party. Compromising and negotiation, though they appear to be different, also have much in common.
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Negotiation
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The definition of negotiation according to Miriam Webster is "confirmed with another so as to arrive at the settlement of some matter." When negotiating, both parties may have to give up something in order for a deal to work. Negotiation may take a longer time to reach a consensus than compromising because both parties may have strong ties to the thing they want. Negotiation, as opposed to compromise, is a skill. Unfortunately not everyone can negotiate.
Compromise
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Compromise as defined by Merriam-Webster as "a settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions." A compromise is necessary when both parties are unwilling to give up something they want from the other party. In other words, one party may not be completely satisfied with the decision, but he is willing to give up more in order for the other party to be satisfied.
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Similarities
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Compromise and negotiation require both parties to be willing to come up with a solution to their issue. When negotiating, certain compromises must be made, and when reaching a compromise both parties may need to negotiate. For example, if two parties are fighting over a parking spot, one party can negotiate having the parking spot one day while the other party has a parking spot the next day. The compromise it is then defined as both parties sharing one parking spot.
Challenges
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Compromising and negotiation can not take place when both parties are unwilling to communicate. If one or both parties are inflexible, neither compromising nor negotiation is possible. If one or both parties is looking to take advantage of the other, conflict will arise and negotiation or compromise may be no longer possible because the relationship is strained.
Strategies
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When negotiating or establishing a compromise, use eye contact, a clear speaking voice and maintain a positive, calm attitude. Flexibility is needed to accept change and make sacrifices. Understand that both you and the other party must give up something, but find ways where you can gain something at the same time. For example, if two parties agree to share a parking space, they may choose days of the week that are more convenient for their personal schedules.
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