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During a negotiation, it would be wise not to take anything personally. If you leave personalities out of it, you will be able to see opportunities more objectively.

Oftentimes, the best negotiations result in a deal that benefits both parties. There are times when you simply want to go for the jugular, but often, you want the other person to feel pleased with the outcome, even if you are the clear victor.

Always go into meetings or negotiations with a positive attitude. Tell yourself you're going to make this the best deal for all parties.

Everything is negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.

I'm not big with negotiating.

You aren't going to be successful as a diplomat if you don't understand the strategic context in which you are actually negotiating. It is not deal making. It's not.

I think each negotiation should be based on what's the best decision - taking everything into account, not taking one thing into account.

Simple logic dictates that if you cannot even conceive the possibility of leaving a negotiation, then it is preferable never to enter one.

I'd like to add that negotiating is not something to be avoided or feared - it's an everyday part of life.

I do believe that in order to be a successful negotiator that as a diplomat, you have to be able to put yourself into the other person's shoes. Unless you can understand what is motivating them, you are never going to be able to figure out how to solve a particular problem.