Changing Minds - Negotiation Tactics

[ranob]

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Terminology - http://changingminds.org/disciplines/negotiation/tactics/tactics.htm

I have a meeting with a fairly high up bureaucrat (that's never met me before) in a couple weeks re: taking grad level courses next semester. I've tried using the understanding, not agreement tactic before for similar situations, but it doesn't seem to work very well, so I probably won't bother with it this time. I'm thinking of starting with cards on the table, then transitioning to overwhelm and log-rolling, along with some behavior labeling, policy, and flattery added in for good measure, to convince them to give me what I want. Perhaps an expanding the pie argument might also prove persuasive? They will undoubtedly try to control the agenda, but a check the facts argument should allow me to take control of the discussion early on (as they have made several factual errors with regards to my academic stats, in writing). Any other negotiation tactics that could improve my chances of walking away satisfied from the meeting? Tips on making a good first impression are also appreciated (eg, should I wear a suit to the meeting?). Thanks in advance.

 

[NeuResurgens]

Get him to like you. Genuinely compliment the good things you notice about him (don't flatter, actually think about what he's doing that you like). Be prepared to show why what you want will be mutually beneficial and not only good for you.. What was your goal in meeting with this guy again? It's getting approval to take graduate classes?

 

[TraumaLlamaMD]

Maybe consider not calling him a bureaucrat who is out to get you in every sentence, as you seem to do here. Going into a meeting with a hostile attitude is unlikely to get you the results you want - remember, nobody owes you anything.

 

[WingedOx]

Dude, your posts just keep getting stranger and stranger.

 

[Just Call Me Doc]

Ugh... first first get rid of this static playbook. Good negotiation is a dynamic process that requires adjustment based on observation. I would primarily recommend just being honest and forthcoming, but if you want to learn negotiation techniques I would suggest picking up some books on body language. Any results you may get from this website is purely chance.

 

[resiroth]

You sound like an alien that doesn't understand how humans behave.

 

[IlDestriero]

Go in dressed like you own the joint, pressed and polished. Smile, flashing the pearly whites. Compliment him on the shark fishing photo on the bookcase while you deliver a firm, yet non confrontational handshake.
60 seconds about who the hell you are, Then tell him what you want and why in 3 minutes, one minute for follow up questions, sell sell sell. One minute for a thanks and pleasantries.
Done and done!
You're out in 6 minutes, everyone is happy, and he gets 24 minutes to surf porn. Maybe 14 minutes, you probably don't rate a 30 min appointment.

 

[ranob]

@resiroth I understand humans just fine (students, professors, employers, etc), it's bureaucrats that boggle the mind.
@llDestriero Thanks for the great advice, I'll definitely give it a try.

Followup question: assuming I obtain a verdict in my favor (which seems likely at this point), would it be reasonable to use this ruling to effectively bypass the decision of a lower-level bureaucrat re: prerequisites, by taking graduate versions (which do not have any prerecs) of undergrad courses (that do have prerecs)? Or will the one bureaucrat take it the wrong way and try to turn the other against me?

 

[Goro]

Schools have policies for a reason.

And when you say "lower-level bureaucrat", are you talking about someone in the Registrar's office? or a Department Chair.

In either case, they don't get to change policies on a whim, even if Obi-Wan comes in and uses the Force on them.

@resiroth I understand humans just fine (students, professors, employers, etc), it's bureaucrats that boggle the mind.
@llDestriero Thanks for the great advice, I'll definitely give it a try.

Followup question: assuming I obtain a verdict in my favor (which seems likely at this point), would it be reasonable to use this ruling to effectively bypass the decision of a lower-level bureaucrat re: prerequisites, by taking graduate versions (which do not have any prerecs) of undergrad courses (that do have prerecs)? Or will the one bureaucrat take it the wrong way and try to turn the other against me?

 

[ranob]

@Goro
The lower-level bureaucrat is the director and department chair. Also, they definitely can change policies on a whim as a high up professor got me into his grad class this semester after I impressed him, despite existing policy prohibiting this.

 

[Doug Underhill]

Graduate courses do not count towards undergrad GPA, right? What are you trying to get out of this? With regards to classwork, med schools want people with a high GPA who have taken the prereqs and some upper-level science courses.