#1: Understand the basic structure of a negotiation.

#2: Stagger the presentations to shift the balance of power and keep the parties off balance.

#3: Check the reliability of your information.

#4: Appeal to the parties on an emotional level to help them understand each other’s position.

#5: Think creatively about ways people can cooperate rather than clash.

#6: Deliver bad news with pacing and patience.

#7: Use the “one-step” approach — prepare a proposed agreement based on the ideas of all the parties.

#8: Sweeten the agreement with an apology, an acknowledgement of misunderstanding or some other symbolic gesture.

#9: Trust your intuition and see where it takes you.

#10: Finally, realize that every conflict can’t be solved.

via techrepublic

1. Approach conflict with an open mind 
2. Consider what might have caused the conflict
3. Be respectful of differences
4. Try to cut the conflict off in its early stages
5. Listen carefully
6. Be mindful of your language
7. Ask for help
8. Be sure the problem is resolved

via boston

• Choose your battles.
• Expect conflict.
• Use neutral language.
• Practice preventive maintenance.
• Listen actively.
• Get leverage on yourself.

via edition.cnn

1. Let people tell their story. Allowing people to speak their minds may increase the level of conflict, but that’s okay, says Krivis, because feeling heard can dramatically change an angry person’s outlook. And in the process, new information may surface that allows a solution to naturally emerge.

2. If someone refuses to budge, take the spotlight off them. When there is one hardliner refusing to budge during a multiparty conflict, suggests Krivis, just begin “settling around” them and work with the other parties. The holdout quickly sees the value of compromise when his or her perceived power is neutralized.

3. When someone seems “locked up,” dig for the emotion behind the stone face.

4. When people are “picking flyspecks out of pepper,” come in with a reality check.

5. Identify the true impediment.

6. Learn to “read minds.” Krivis suggests paying attention to body language and emotional tone as well as a person’s words.

7. Think creatively about ways people can cooperate rather than clash.

8. “Edit the script” to help people see their situation in a different light. 

9. Avoid the “winner’s curse” by carefully pacing negotiation.

10. Finally, realize that not every conflict can be solved.

via workfamily