All day, every day, we are in the midst of negotiations — whether we know it or not.
As IT Professionals, we are no different.
Some tips on improving your negotiating skills.
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In IT, we have our own unique set of negotiation partners: vendors, co-workers, employees, and employers.
With so much time spent in negotiation, it is well worth our time to learn the principles behind negotiation, and how to become better negotiators.
Here are a few tips.
Separate People from the Problem
At the beginning of each negotiation, remind yourself that these are real people you are negotiating with.
They are not much different from you. They deserve your respect and empathy, the same as you deserve theirs.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
You have your goals for the negotiation, so does the other party.
Take time to clearly understand not only WHAT they are trying to achieve, but WHY they are trying to achieve it.
Don’t Deduce Their Intentions From Your Fears
The intentions of the other party depend on the prism from which they are viewed. If you are fearful of what might happen, then you are viewing negotiations with the eyes of fear.
Anticipate the Potential for Conflict
Some negotiations are quick and painless.
Other negotiations run at a deeper level with higher stakes, and conflict may arise. The goal of a negotiation cannot be to eliminate conflict. Conflict is an inevitable -and useful-part of life.
Be Prepared to Walk Away
In any negotiation, you must put yourself in a position where you can walk away if you are not satisfied with a proposed agreement, or if the other party gives you a “take it or leave it” offer you prefer to leave.
Take The High Road
In the end your integrity is more important than winning a negotiation (except in the most desperate of cases).
Keep the Golden Rule in mind as you negotiate:
“Negotiate with others as you would have them negotiate unto you.”
This thread was inspired by the excellent book: Getting to Yes, by Roger Fisher and William Ury.
Read my entire blog post "The Art of Negotiating for IT Professionals" here:
Cicero was one of ancient Rome's most complex figures.
Equally beloved and despised. At the height of his power he was considered the Father of Rome. But yet he met a grisly end.
Let's do a deep dive into one of ancient Rome's most revered and complex figures; Cicero 🧵
Who was Cicero?
Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, philosopher, and writer. He is one of ancient Rome's most well known people.
His rise to political prominence was a steep one as he started from the bottom and climbed his way up the political ladder.
The New Man
Cicero was born in 160 BC in Arpinium, a small town outside of Rome. He was born into a wealthy equestrian family, that was not part of the Roman elite.
He was considered a "New Man" (or novus homo) because he was the first member of his family to to enter the Roman Senate. He was considered an outsider by many, and this was used against him by his enemies during his career.
The Battle of Actium was one of the most impactful battles in Roman History.
It drove the final nail into the coffin of the Roman Republic and gave birth to the Roman Empire.
Let's do a deep dive into the people and events that lead to this historical battle. 🧵
Before we dive into the events that lead to the Battle of Actium, let's introduce the major players.
There were four key players in the events we will discuss in this thread:
• Octavian
• Agrippa
• Mark Antony
• Cleopatra
Octavian
The great-nephew of Julius Caesar. He was the newest person on the scene at this time.
Vicious and calculating, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with and squarely planted himself in the power void that emerged after the assassination of Caesar.
The Battle of Actium was the final battle in a string of bloody Civil Wars that ravaged the late Roman Republic.
The final nail in the coffin of the Roman Republic, it gave birth to the Roman Empire.
Let's explore the events that culminated in the Battle of Actium.
/Thread 🧵
Before we dive into the events that lead to the Battle of Actium, let's introduce the major players.
There were four key players in the events we will discuss in this thread:
• Octavian
• Agrippa
• Mark Antony
• Cleopatra
Octavian
The great-nephew of Julius Caesar. He was the newest person on the scene at this time.
Vicious and calculating, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with and squarely planted himself in the power void that emerged after the assassination of Cesar.
Want to completely transform yourself from a Roman History newbie to a true Romanophile?
That is an admirable goal my friend 🫡 I got you covered.
Here are the 10 books you must read to become an expert in Roman History 🧵
I recommend a mix of contemporary authors and ancient historians.
The ancient historians write from closer historical proximity, but can be dense.
Contemporary authors can be easier to read; but can write more to entertain that educate.
A mix of contemporary and ancient authors provides a great blend of education and entertainment to keep you going on your Roman History reading journey.
Now, it's time for you to begin your transition from a Roman History newbie to a Romanophile.
What's a Romanophile?
One, who has knowledge and a love of Roman History.
Rome's first Emperor Augustus died on August 19th 14 AD. Ancient historians hint that he was poisoned by his wife Livia. His last words refer to the role he played as Rome's first Emperor.
Nero
Nero, one of Rome's most megalomaniac Emperors, died on June 9th 68 AD. Declared an enemy of the state, he was forced to take his own life. Nero was more interested in being a performer than Emperor, as his final words reflect.
Vitellius
Vitellius ruled shortly and died violently on December 20th 69 AD. He knew his fate was coming. Dragged from his hiding spot he was struck down by supporters of Vespasian. His final words were a helpless reminder that he once ruled those who were killing him.