There are times when you should avoid negoti- ating. In these situations, stand your ground and you'll come out ahead.
When you'd lose the farm:
If you're in a situation where you could lose everything, choose other options rather than negotiate.
When youore sold out:
When you're running at capacity, don't dea,. Raise ypur prices instead.
When the demands are unethical:
Don't negotiate if your counterpart asks
for something you cannot support be- cause it's illegal, unethical, or morally inappropdate-for example, either paying or accepting a bribe. When your character or your reputation is compromised, you lose in the long run.
When you don't care:
lf you have no stake in the outcorne, don't negotiate. You have everything to lose and nothing to gain.
When you don't have time:
When you're pressed for time, you may choose not to negotiate. If the time pressure works against you, you'll make mistakes, you give in too quickly, and you may fail to consider the implications of your con- cessions. When under the gun, you'll set- tle for less than you could otherwise get
When they act in bad faith:
Stop the negotiation when your counterpart shows signs of acting in bad faith. If you can't trust their negotiating, you can't trust their agreement. In this case, negotiation is of little or no value. Stick to your guns and cover your position, or discredit them.
When waiting would improve your position:
Perhaps you'll have a new technology available soon. Maybe your financial situation will improve. Another oppor- tunity may present itself. If the odds are good that you'll gain ground with a delay, wait.
When you're not prepared:
Ifyou don't prepare, you'll think of all your best questions, responses, and conces- sions on the way home. Gathering your reconnaissance and rehearsing the ne- gotiation will pay off handsomely. If you're not ready, just sa