Calling a Time-Out

In National League Football, time-outs are one way of managing the pace and flow of the game. They can be used the same way in negotiation.

When and how a time-out, or caucus, is called can affect the final outcome. Diplomatic negotiations are usually 10 percent conference and 90 percent time-out. Most business deals reverse this time relationship. I am in favor of lots of time-outs. They make more sense than long talks and short breaks.

I have found time-outs useful for a wide variety of purposes:

To review what was heard or learned – new information may impact your strategy, targets, or tactics.
To think of questions
To develop new arguments and defenses
To explore possible alternatives before you present them
To develop better proof statements
To discuss possible concessions and what will be asked for in return
To determine the best way to react to new demands
To determine if you should make additional demands
To consult with experts
To check on rules or regulations
To analyze changes in price, specifications, costs, time or terms
To just buy you some time

A time-out gives you time to think, to make a point more effectively, to check your facts, or to show your resolve.

It provides you an opportunity to get others to help you work on an issue.

Research indicates when negotiating pressures increase, tension can be reduced before a crisis develops by having short sessions and long time-outs.

Remember, never negotiate an issue unless you are prepared for it. Something unforeseen always seems to come up in most negotiations. When it does—a time-out is called for. It might just be a caucus with yourself (i.e. Please excuse me I need to use the restroom), or a meeting among your own people to discuss the new issue.

Don’t “shoot-from-the-hip” and plunge into negotiating an issue you are not prepared to negotiate.

THE PROGRAM WAS GREAT! MY SEMINAR LEADER AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE KEPT ME CONSTANTLY STIMULATED. I NOW AM BETTER PREPARED TO GO INTO AN IMPORTANT NEGOTIATION MEETING AND STAY IN CONTROL, WHILE FINISHING THE MEETING SATISFIED.

Deanna D.

CASE MANAGER at THE JACKSON LABORATORY

IF YOU HAVE THE TRAINING BUDGET AND TWO DAYS TO SPARE, YOU'LL STRUGGLE TO FIND A PROGRAM MORE FAR-REACHING, ON-POINT, AND INSTANTLY IMPLEMENTABLE.

Jeff G.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER at THE M.K. MORSE COMPANY

EXCELLENT COURSE, BRINGS MORE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE. I THINK THIS COURSE IS A MUST FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DEAL WITH CUSTOMERS.

John S.

CHIEF ENGINEERING MANAGER at EXXONMOBIL

THIS WAS VERY EFFECTIVE WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON BOTH-WIN NEGOTIATING.

Kathleen L.

SENIOR ANALYST at BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN

THE KARRASS CLASS WAS THE SINGLE BEST TRAINING CLASS/SEMINAR I HAVE EVER ATTENDED. EVERY TIME WE DID AN EXERCISE IT TAUGHT YOU WHAT TO DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME. THANKS.

Kim C.

PROCUREMENT at AMERICAN EXPRESS

THIS PROGRAM HAS GREATLY INCREASED MY CONFIDENCE AND ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE FOR MYSELF AS WELL AS MY COMPANY.

LaDonna E.

SENIOR STRATEGIC BUYER at HALLMARK

THE NEGOTIATING CLASS WAS VERY INFORMATIVE. THE INSTRUCTOR PROVIDED AN INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO EVERYDAY LIFE.

Mary S.

INTERNATIONAL SOURCING at FMC TECHNOLOGIES

WE NEGOTIATE EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY. THIS COURSE DEFINES THE PROCESS AND PROVIDES TECHNIQUES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESSFUL RESULTS.

Phillip H.

VICE PRESIDENT at GE

PRIOR TO THIS CLASS I FELT AS THOUGH I WAS GETTING EATEN ALIVE BY INTERNAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH SALES REPS. NOW I FEEL PREPARED TO CHALLENGE WHAT THEY ARE SAYING AND BET TO THEIR REAL NEEDS.

Steve Q.

PLANNER at HONEYWELL

MANY PEOPLE FAIL TO ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL BECAUSE THEY DON’T SEE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO NEGOTIATE A WIN/WIN AGREEMENT WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES. THIS CLASS IS AN EYE OPENER TO THIS DYNAMIC..

Stuart B.

CONTRACTS MANAGER at HEWLETT-PACKARD

General Negotiation September 24, 2012Calling a Time-Out

General Negotiation September 24, 2012
Calling a Time-Out