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Passion, People and Principles

Katter’s Philosophy of Doing Business

post # 536 — April 21, 2008 — a General post

In correspondence with me, Wilson “Bill” Katter offered the following views, and gives permission to us all to circulate (as long as we acknowledge his authorship and copyright.)

BUSINESS DEAL BASICS

To avoid many of the problems which arise in business relationships, here is a set of prerequisite criteria with which all parties should enter the discussions/negotiations.

Much time, money and effort can often be spared with the conscientious practice of these criteria.

Without them, the negative impact of misunderstandings, aggravation and emotional wear and tear can also sometimes cause an almost incalculable loss.

  1. The goal of a win/win result, defined as such by all parties
  2. The skill of understanding the position of all the parties
  3. A keen appreciation for the relative value which each party brings to the equation
  4. The use of reliable, authoritative resources
  5. An “I may not know it all” attitude
  6. The willingness to have “facts” challenged
  7. Finely tuned listening skills
  8. Consideration of all points of view
  9. Impeccable integrity
  10. Transparency and honesty
  11. Keen analytical faculties and good judgment
  12. A mature sense of fairness
  13. Compliance with high legal, ethical and moral standards
  14. Clarity of both oral and written communication
  15. Timely replies/responses in the exchange of information
  16. The ability to “disagree agreeably”
  17. Humble acceptance of the required modification of one’s position
  18. Patience to do it right the first time so it doesn’t have to be done over
  19. Equitable compromise without the sacrifice of principles
  20. A long-term perspective which looks beyond the near-term benefits
  21. Respect, respect, respect

REMEMBER, IMPROPER MOTIVES WILL MOST LIKELY KILL THE DEAL

ALTHOUGH CHALLENGING AND SOMETIMES TOUGH, DOING BUSINESS THIS WAY CAN HAVE THE GREATEST REWARDS

2 Comments

Wally Bock said:

I love this list. It ought to work for all kinds of negotiation.

posted on April 21, 2008

MrAchievement.com - Stanley Bronstein said:

One thing I don’t believe you mentioned was dealing from a position of confidence / strength. I don’t mean that you should use your confidence or strength to beat up the other side (as that would NOT be a win/win).

However, as an attorney & CPA, I have participated in many very large deal negotiations. I have found the best deals get worked out whenever you deal from a position of strength.

If you deal from weakness and the other side is dealing from strength, they will take advantage and you will lose.

I have one client whom I love to negotiate for. He empowers me and he tells me to go out there and advocate his position, BUT TO DO IT FAIRLY. We don’t beat up the other side, but we don’t get beaten up either.

Just my 2¢

MrAchievement

Stanley Bronstein

Attorney, CPA, Author, Blogger & Professional Motivational Speaker

posted on April 24, 2008