Who Are The World’s Best Negotiators?

You might think hostage negotiators, or politicians, or maybe you think lawyers?

On a pure ability per weight basis I would have to say that children are the world’s best negotiators.  At least mine are – and I don’t think they unique in this ability.

I would be the first to admit that negotiations don’t fit well with my parenting style so perhaps I am as guilty as anyone of the following sin.

If children are such naturally good negotiators how is it that once they reach early adulthood they have lost this spark?

Perhaps it because parents like myself don’t engage in negotiations. Perhaps it is our education system that grinds them down.  I am not sure of the exact cause but I would hate to think my children grow up at the expense of their natural talents.

I have been involved in some business deals recently where the other person could certainly have learned a thing or two from my kids when it comes to negotiating.

They are not afraid to make concessions if it means a potentially high reward can also be negotiated.  They understand that sometimes a gamble will pay high dividends, and they know that there are consequences when it doesn’t pay off.

I have been quite impressed to see that they do not give up with a failed negotiation tactic.  Instead they will retreat and come up with a new tactic – they know that repeating the same pitch will be classified as whining and get them nowhere.  Usually the younger one is sent to test the waters with a new pitch.

Yes, for me children are the world’s best negotiators.