The anchoring effect is a powerful psychological force in which we rely too heavily on the first information we receive. Even if we’re aware that we’re going to be influenced and biased by these anchors, […]
While the goal of mediation is to allow parties to resolve conflict and develop mutually beneficial solutions, it’s natural to seek an edge, an advantage that guides the conversation closer to one’s side of the […]
While a fallen hero, Lance Armstrong perfectly describes the theory of loss aversion: “I like to win, but more than anything, I can’t stand this idea of losing.” The pleasure we derive from winning is […]
You walk up to the blackjack table with $50 in chips. What’s the goal of your first bet? To win money. You bust, and now you’re down $50. Do you walk away or try to […]
How many Facebook friends do you have? 200? 500? 1,000? Now, how many “real” friends do you have? Cornell researchers found that we have an average of two confidants. Two. We run the same risk […]
When you can communicate effectively, you can get much more out of every interaction you have, whether work-related or social. It enriches your entire life and can reveal new information, new connections, and new opportunities.
BATNA, or the Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement, is a concept developed by Roger Fisher and William Ury of the Harvard Program on Negotiation.
One of the reasons why mediation is so often preferable to litigation is that there doesn’t have to be a verdict; both sides can emerge, if not happy, then at least satisfied, with the outcome.
Go get a gym membership for less than the advertised price. You have the power. Tell them you’re shopping around for the best price; tell them you want the initial fee or membership fee waived […]
John Curtis, a Kingston, Ontario based mediator, teaches a class on the challenges posed when people make decisions based on their “Fast Thinking Brain”.
