Robert Benjamin, a respected negotiator, wrote about the evolution of negotiative behaviors in an online article at mediate.com. Negotiation is not unique to humans; animal negotiation was described by Darwin in the late 1800s!
As we navigate the stresses and uncertainties that fill our days and understandably cause our fuses to shorten, Benjamin’s work provides insights on how we can maintain our academic and professional relationships. He reminds us: “Negotiative behaviors are the give and take that leads to workable arrangements between people, often times in circumstances where empathy and communication are only barely present. Negotiative behavior is the muscle and bone that converts the visceral human instinct to survive and the recognition that collaboration and cooperation are required, … regardless of the relationship of those involved.” Read the full article here.
Margaret Menache
Ombudsperson for Faculty
University of New Mexico