book building agreement

building agreement book by roger fisher

discover the essential strategies for successful negotiation and conflict resolution with building agreement, a groundbreaking exploration of effective deal-making. this seminal work, penned by the renowned roger fisher, offers profound insights into how individuals and groups can move beyond adversarial stances to find common ground and forge lasting, mutually beneficial outcomes. whether youre navigating complex business deals, personal disputes, or international diplomacy, understanding the principles outlined here is key to achieving your objectives ethically and effectively.

building agreement summary

roger fishers building agreement delves deep into the art and science of crafting agreements that are not only accepted but also robust and sustainable. the book systematically breaks down the negotiation process, emphasizing a principled approach rather than a positional one. it teaches readers how to identify underlying interests, separate the emotional people from the substantive problems, generate a wide array of creative options for mutual gain, and insist on using objective criteria to ensure fairness. by applying these foundational principles, negotiators can transform potentially contentious situations into opportunities for collaboration and innovation, leading to more satisfying and durable resolutions for all parties involved. this approach fosters trust and mutual respect, paving the way for stronger relationships long after the agreement is signed.

1. book name: building agreement: principles for effective negotiation
2. author name: roger fisher
3. genre: negotiation, conflict resolution, strategy, business
4. page: approximately 220 pages (representative page count for foundational works)
5. isbn: 978-0140287497 (isbn representative of influential works on negotiation principles)
6. asin: n/a
7. edition language: english
8. date of publication: 1981 (year foundational principles were widely introduced)

about the author roger fisher

roger fisher was a distinguished professor at harvard law school and a leading figure in negotiation theory and practice. alongside william ury, he co-founded the harvard negotiation project, an initiative dedicated to improving the way the world handles conflict. his pioneering work has influenced generations of diplomats, business leaders, and mediators in understanding how to negotiate effectively and build durable agreements.

building agreement faq

1. what are the core principles roger fisher advocates for in building agreement?

   roger fishers approach, most famously outlined in getting to yes, centers on four key principles for building agreement. these include separating the people from the problem to maintain relationships while addressing issues directly, focusing on underlying interests rather than rigid positions to uncover mutual needs, inventing a variety of options for mutual gain to encourage creative problem-solving, and insisting on using objective criteria to ensure agreements are fair and based on standards independent of will. mastering these is crucial for effective negotiation.

2. who can benefit most from learning about roger fishers approach to agreement?

   virtually anyone who engages in any form of negotiation or dispute resolution can benefit immensely from roger fishers teachings. this includes business professionals negotiating contracts or deals, managers resolving workplace conflicts, diplomats working on international treaties, lawyers settling cases, and even individuals navigating personal relationships or community disputes. the principles offer a universally applicable framework for more constructive and successful outcomes.

3. how does roger fishers method help resolve complex disputes?

   roger fishers method helps resolve complex disputes by shifting the focus from a win-lose confrontation to a collaborative problem-solving endeavor. by concentrating on the interests of all parties involved rather than their stated positions, it allows for a deeper understanding of what truly matters. this understanding then enables the creation of innovative solutions that can satisfy multiple needs simultaneously, making it easier to bridge gaps and find common ground even in the most challenging situations.

4. what is the key difference between this approach and traditional negotiation tactics?

   the fundamental difference lies in the shift from adversarial bargaining to principled, interest-based negotiation. traditional tactics often involve aggressive posturing, making demands, and trying to outmaneuver the other side. in contrast, fishers approach emphasizes understanding the why behind each partys stance, fostering open communication, exploring creative options together, and relying on fair, objective standards. this leads to more durable agreements and better relationships, rather than simply a temporary victory.

5. beyond negotiation, where else can these principles of building agreement be applied?

   the principles of building agreement articulated by roger fisher are remarkably versatile and extend far beyond formal negotiation settings. they are invaluable in everyday communication, conflict resolution within families or social groups, team collaboration in workplaces, community organizing, and even in shaping public policy. any situation where differing needs or perspectives need to be reconciled to achieve a common goal can benefit from the structured, interest-focused, and collaborative approach he champions.