Critical Skills: Negotiating.

Negotiating is an activity that touches on all aspects of life. On the world stage, international diplomacy is the primary example of negotiation: countries negotiate trade agreements with one another, and warring nations negotiate peace treaties to cease hostilities. At the national level, legislators from different political parties negotiate the manner and means of government action, while cities, counties, and other governmental units negotiate terms regarding shared resources. In the private sector, labor unions negotiate with management, and businesses negotiate with vendors and service providers. Even retail commerce entails negotiation as shopkeepers and sellers negotiate with their intended customer base over price and quality through the medium of marketing outreach and feedback.