Negotiation Case Studies , Negotiating Tips , Negotiation Strategies , Business Negotiation
September 02, 2010
Negotiation: Is it a fait accompli? (translation: Is it a done deal?)
A fait accompli (accomplished fact in French) is a negotiating tactic, generally used by diplomats, but also used in business. The principle is that one party will take a surprise action to create a favorable negotiating position...
A fait accompli (accomplished fact in French) is a negotiating tactic, generally used by diplomats, but also used in business. The principle is that one party will take a surprise action to create a favorable negotiating position. This accomplished fact impacts the outcome of the negotiation.
The fait accompli tactic works because it creates action. Once something is done, it is hard to get it undone and therefore, the balance of power between the parties is altered.
What does a fait accompli look like in a typical business negotiation? Here are a few examples:
• Violate a patent, and then work on the settlement
• Start a lawsuit, then talk
• Have a machine installed, then reject it and ask for a credit
• Declare bankruptcy before entering a settlement negotiation
To some, pulling a fait accompli is an unethical tactic. If the other party tries this on you, there are ways you can counteract:
• Anticipate the tactic and protect yourself by contract
• Take your own aggressive action
• Never pay in advance without a security
• Start your own lawsuit.
• Make the costs high if the other party does something aggressive
Don’t let your negotiation deteriorate into a done deal even before you have started talking! Be wary of the fait accompli.
Have you ever had to deal with a fait accompli move? What have you done to counter it?
The fait accompli tactic works because it creates action. Once something is done, it is hard to get it undone and therefore, the balance of power between the parties is altered.
What does a fait accompli look like in a typical business negotiation? Here are a few examples:
• Violate a patent, and then work on the settlement
• Start a lawsuit, then talk
• Have a machine installed, then reject it and ask for a credit
• Declare bankruptcy before entering a settlement negotiation
To some, pulling a fait accompli is an unethical tactic. If the other party tries this on you, there are ways you can counteract:
• Anticipate the tactic and protect yourself by contract
• Take your own aggressive action
• Never pay in advance without a security
• Start your own lawsuit.
• Make the costs high if the other party does something aggressive
Don’t let your negotiation deteriorate into a done deal even before you have started talking! Be wary of the fait accompli.
Have you ever had to deal with a fait accompli move? What have you done to counter it?
Upcoming seminars
Effective Negotiating
Effective Negotiating
Effective Negotiating
Effective Negotiating
April 08, 2021
What is Face Negotiation Theory? Face-Negotiation Theory was conceived by Stella Ting-Toomey in 1985, to understand how people from different cultures manage negotiations. According to Ting-Toomey if someone feels that their image is being attacked, that person will shut down and try to save face, regardless of their cultural background...
Read MoreFebruary 10, 2021
How would you like to give the other person a concession without giving away anything of tangible value? It’s easy. Just listen to him or her...
Read MoreJune 04, 2020
Success in negotiation starts with understanding what kind of negotiation you are dealing with. Fundamentally, every negotiation is fundamentally about finding and distributing value...
Read More