In a negotiation with a corporate client, their priority was cost efficiency, while mine was ensuring the quality of my derivative strategies. To bridge the gap, I focused on aligning our values by demonstrating how my insights would provide long-term value, outweighing short-term costs. I also remained flexible, offering phased implementation to meet their budget while preserving the core quality of my work. By finding common ground and maintaining open communication, we reached a solution that honored both our priorities, ensuring a successful outcome.

Navigating conflicting priorities starts with aligning on shared goals. In talks with ride-hailing services in Vietnam, Cambodia, and India, a shared vision of seamless travel experiences set a strong foundation. Key strategies included: - Emphasizing mutual benefits to show the value of collaboration, - Being transparent about technical and budget constraints to manage expectations, - Staying flexible on minor points to foster goodwill. This approach minimized friction and built trust. When both sides feel understood and see benefits, partnerships strengthen. Prioritizing openness and adaptability creates outcomes that respect each party’s needs while achieving shared goals.