• Perceived difficulty or ease of reaching agreement on the issue. The ease or difficulty of resolving an issue may influence its placement on an agenda. Often parties want to put the most difficult issue first. However, this approach frequently results in protracted arguments, an extended period of time before an agreement is reached, and significant frustration on the part of negotiators. An alternative approach is making the first issue on the agenda one that all parties are invested in but will not be difficult to resolve. This placement encourages early decision making. Helps develop a pattern of agreement and saying yes, and promotes positive feelings and hope on the part of parties that that they can successfully work together.