GETTING BOTH PARTIES ON THE SAME SIDE The following advice is important for all phases of negotiation and it is particularly critical throughout the Decide phase. When parties are stressed and under pressure while making important decisions, the likeli- hood of contentious or adversarial behavior increases. Bill Ury, in Getting Past No, highlights the importance of building a "golden bridge" to the other party by respectfully acknowledging their comments and emotions even if you don't agree with their conclusions or solutions. The following are also steps that focus on getting both parties on the same side and moving the negotiation forward.