16 Jan. Navigating Complexity in Negotiations: Lessons from Harvard’s Executive Training Program
Thank you to Harvard Law School for creating these opportunities for intercultural growth and professional development through real-world case studies and global best practices in the Executive Training Program „ManagingComplexNegotiations“ in December 2025.Key takeaways:
Navigating complex negotiations requires managing multiple parties with diverse objectives while continuously solving problems and adapting to new developments.
- Take sufficient time to prepare: You must manage multiple parties, each with their own interests and perspectives.
- Don’t get lost in complexity: Break complex issues down by identifying interconnected topics and addressing them strategically.
- Be flexible and alert: Maintain momentum in extended negotiations through ongoing communication and strategic adjustments.
- Navigate power imbalances: Recognize disparities in leverage and manage their impact realistically.
- Act as an agent: Always remember that you are representing someone else’s interests when negotiating on their behalf.
- Address cultural and emotional factors: Don’t underestimate emotions and cultural differences, which can heighten sensitivities at the table.
- Always keep consensus-building in mind: Ultimately, the goal is to form winning coalitions, generate buy-in, and create value-driven agreements.
Thank you very much for these valuable insights and the international exchange!
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