Negotiation & The Second Law of Thermodynamics: A Fresh Perspective

Have you ever thought about how the Second Law of Thermodynamics applies to our negotiations as well? I recently came across a fascinating blog article by German psychologist Roland Kopp-Wichmann, titled “Man, Woman, Relationships – and the Second Law of Thermodynamics”. The article uses this law – the principle that everything tends to get worse over time without active intervention – as a metaphor for relationships. Just like a car, garden, or house, relationships require regular maintenance and attention to thrive. This concept can be applied to negotiation relationships, especially when we move into Partnership or SMARTnership which, quite naturally, require ongoing attention, care, and honest effort to sustainable maintain, here are some valuable insights:

The Interplay of Personal and Professional Life

Kopp-Wichmann emphasizes the interconnectedness of personal and professional life. As negotiators, we must recognize that our personal emotions and unconscious biases can influence our professional interactions. By acknowledging this interplay, we can better manage our emotions and approach negotiations with a clear, focused mind.

Active Maintenance in Negotiations

Just as a garden or a house requires regular maintenance to thrive, so do our negotiation relationships. Without active intervention, relationships can deteriorate over time – a concept mirrored in the second law of thermodynamics. As negotiators, we must continually invest time and effort into maintaining our important relationships, ensuring they remain strong and productive.

Communication: The Heart of Successful Negotiations

The article highlights the importance of open, honest, and regular communication in maintaining a healthy relationship. This is a key skill for negotiators, who must be able to effectively communicate their needs, understand the needs of others, and find common ground. Regular check-ins, active listening, and clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings and build trust.

Avoiding Projection in Negotiations

Kopp-Wichmann warns against the danger of projecting unresolved personal issues onto one’s partner. In a negotiation context, this serves as a reminder to be aware of our own biases and not to attribute them to the other party. By recognizing and addressing our own issues in time, we can approach negotiations with a clear mind and a fair perspective.

Balancing Emotion and Strategy in Negotiations

The article distinguishes between love, which is spontaneous and unpredictable, and partnership, which involves conscious decisions and negotiations. This balance between emotional connection and strategic decision-making is crucial in negotiations. While emotional intelligence can help us understand and connect with others, strategic thinking allows us to always make decisions that perfectly align with our goals.

By understanding the interplay of personal and professional life, actively maintaining our relationships, communicating effectively, avoiding projection, and balancing emotion and strategy, we can become more effective human beings and negotiators. As the second law of thermodynamics reminds us, maintaining a system requires honest effort – but the results are well worth it.

So, how will you apply the Second Law of Thermodynamics to your next negotiation?