Whether it is a high-stakes deal, the price of a used car, or a family issue, we all are bargaining and getting into negotiations.

Knowing the other party's needs, wants and desires, getting to know what drives their negotiation, is crucial information in the planning stage.

A negotiation does not have to be a uni-dimensional, one-shot activity.

Managing to articulate what we can commit to the deal leads to the best and most ideal outcomes in a negotiation.

Sometimes negotiation is not about the immediate goal of the discussion but about the larger picture.

We need to know what's the most relevant and persuasive criteria.

Once we can find out what the shared interests are, we can find many ways to address certain demands of the negotiating party which may not be a hassle for us.

In any negotiation, good communication is key.