Semester reflection (bonus blog)

The most valuable concept I've learned from this class was the Negotiation Fundamentals.  The three approaches to resolving disputes is something I will definitely take away with me and apply in my future endeavors.  Before any negotiation, I must stand back any recognize the interests of the other parties, be able to determine who is right, and know who is more powerful.  These are the three basic elements to any dispute.  For example, the story in our textbook about a miner that claims his work boots were stolen and he didn't feel that he should lose the cost of his boots and a day's pay because the company can't protect his boots for him.  The shift boss maybe should not have focused on who was right according to the regulations, but instead could have focused on both parties interests and realized that both sides wanted to work.  Realizing this would help with things not escalating and both parties being happy with the outcome.  When you fight with power, things can get ugly pretty quickly.  This should have been a joint problem that both sides could have helped solve.  Besides, being a shift boss or supervisor, your interests should also be accommodating your workers and making them happy and feeling good about working for you.  Focusing on interests rather than rights or power tends to have higher satisfaction with outcomes and better working relationships.  Also reconciling interest is less costly than determining who is right or who is more powerful.  After graduation, if I ever become a manager of people, because of this class I will always remember to take a step back and recognize all interests involved before making any hast decisions or showing power.  This also helps with being a more charismatic leader and building strong relationships with others.  I feel that this type of attitude creates a more positive work environment which is better for everyone involved.