Although we are forced or may choose to fight from time-to-time, breakdowns in negotiation can be costly or devastating for all stakeholders.

Based on 20+ years experience advising complex business partnerships, here are six principles to negotiate more favorable agreements and avoid costly arguments.

• Separate the people from the problem. Don't make it or take it personal.
• Understand the other side's point of view. Walk in their shoes!
• Focus on interests, not positions. Seek win-win agreem
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Are you solving the right problems?

Here are six keys for better problem-solving and bigger, quicker performance breakthroughs.

Use the Pareto Principle.

80% of our performance is determined by 20% of our activities. Make a list of all the problems you are experiencing. Prioritize the “significant few” problems that matter most.

Define the problem.

Write down your problem statement. For example, “we are focusing on ‘A’ as measured by ‘B.’” A written problem statement helps check for underst...