Reaching an agreement

MANAGEMENT TIPS –

I am closing down Moss Memories and starting a new series of blogs called Management Tips. These will be brief checklists and guidelines largely from my book titled “Managing for Tomorrow” published by Moss Associates Ltd and the Singapore Institute of Management University.

        Having carried out workshops for over 2,300 managers in many Asian and Pacific countries. They taught me much. I will now share some of their ideas with you.

Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

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AGREEMENTS – Management Tip 1 –

Reaching an AGREEMENT

1. Try to focus on the issues, not the people involved. Focus on the end results.

2. Look for a solution – not for a fight. Try to set a tension-free atmosphere.

3. Review the background leading up to the present situation –  in positive terms.

4. Clearly define issues and terms. Make sure you are both talking about the same issues.

5. Emphasise common concerns and points of agreement. Look at alternatives and ask, “What if we do this?”

6. Try to break up complex issues into single issues.

7. Seek options where there are mutual gains.

8. Try to weigh up and evaluate options in economic terms.

9. Be prepared to compromise. To make a gain be prepared to give something.

10. Clarify the final settlement in writing. Set up a timetable of the steps to be taken. Who does what, and by when?

“Always be polite and ethical  and keep cool at all times.”

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)