Being a Skilled Negotiator

‘Contracting for Change’ in Families

A contract is an age-old form of commitment between two or more parties. It can be elaborate and legalistic or a simple letter of agreement.

A contract can be a few words on a signed piece of paper, or a verbal agreement sealed with a handshake.

In families, simple contracts have become popular — even though at first that seems a cumbersome and awkward way of reaching a family agreement.

They have become popular simply because they work so well in helping family members alter how they relate to each other. Another way of looking at contracts is as mutually agreed-upon rules of conduct.

We all have unspoken expectations of each other, and sometimes they are not completely clear or consistent — which leads to misunderstandings and arguments.

When the expectations are discussed openly, made clear and written down, then everyone becomes much more secure and comfortable, and the overall relationship prospers.

Anyone can bring up the idea. Just say you’d like to discuss ways to improve your relationship when it’s convenient for the other person.

A few contracting tips:

Make the items clear and put them positively. For example, asking to be treated respectfully is specific yet avoids the direct criticism of asking someone to “stop being rude” — but even that’s better than nothing.

In general, avoid making contract items contingent on something: the “If...then...” trap. Simply request more of the behaviors you would like. (In parent-child contracts, spell out the consequences of breaking the agreement.)

Make a commitment to keep up your end of the bargain regardless of what the other person does. (Expect that he or she will “come around.”)

Sign the contract and display it openly, both as a reminder and as a sign of successful negotiations.

Review and revise contracts every few months or as needed.

Being Selective

No one wants to spend all their time negotiating, writing contracts, even shaking hands on things.

Besides, overuse might blunt the effectiveness. These are once-in-awhile techniques.

Selectivity is called for. Choose the most important issues, and go for those, without trying to sign off on everything under the sun.

A Contract That Really Worked

A brother and sister at play decided they could improve the way they got along, so they entered into a mutual, written contract.

“Andrew” and “Jessica” first discussed (negotiated) things they would like changed in each other’s behavior, then — because there were several points on each side — actually typed them up. Each signed and dated a copy, and gave a copy to a third party, their mother.

Each posted a copy in their room, so they would see it and be reminded of the commitments they made. This is the “contract”:

“Jessica” requests that:

• Andrew is not to criticize my friends
• Andrew is not to make jokes, etc., about my clothes.
• Andrew is not to make any more mean comments to me.
• Andrew is not to be so judgmental

“Andrew” requests that:

• Jessica not storm into his room uninvited.
• Jessica make no more “blunt” criticisms.
• Jessica not laugh rudely at jokes made about Andrew.
• Jessica not betray trust or confidences he has shared with her.
• Jessica respect his privacy.

The contract was in effect for more than two years. Yet after an initial adjustment period it was hardly needed— once more positive behavior patterns were in place they quickly became natural.

A contract does not eliminate all problems, arguments or differences. But it does help weed out some habitually irritating things that get in the way of bigger issues.

The only improvement in the contract might have been a rephrasing of the “this bugs me” messages into specific positive actions — but the point of it still got across.

For help and advice

Teenline: 327-TEEN
Parental Stress Hotline: 327-3333

Using LifeSkills

LifeSkills information can make a real difference in your life — but only if you read it and share it. Here are two ideas about how you can make most effective use of the concepts. 

1. Pass it on — Share it with friends and family members. (It works best if you don’t force it on anyone — just leave it around or make a comment without being “holier than thou.”)
2. Leave it around — Once  you’ve read it, just lay it around the house. Others will check it out, maybe without your even knowing about it.

Leave it on the kitchen or dining-room table, or a coffee table,in the bathroom or pinned to a bulletin board.

The ‘Shallow Breathing’ Secret of Relaxing

We hear a lot about programs for “relaxation training,” “stress management,” and various techniques for controlling moods. 

These can be particularly helpful, or essential, during family negotiations.

There are highly effective methods of relaxing and calming down — of self-control — that are simple, easy and completely free.

Two such ideas are as follows:

Always negotiate important matters (a) after a meal (there are seven times as many family fights before dinner as after) and (b) when you are relaxed.

Most relaxation methods encourage you to “breathe deeply.”

BUT ... when people breathe deeply or rapidly they decrease the carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, which changes the chemistry of the blood and causes a decrease in blood flow to the brain. This causes a lightheadedness and mild confusion — not conducive to creative, successful negotiations.

Instead, breathe slowly (at most three breaths every 15 seconds) and take shallow breaths. This increases the carbon dioxide in your blood, which induces a calmness and clarity of thought — just what negotiations need!

Family LifeSkills

Family LifeSkills is a program to strengthen and enrich how family members interact — with the purpose of making each person and the family as a whole as psychologically strong as possible. It was developed originally by Palo Alto High School and the Palo  Alto Medical Foundation for Health Care, Research and Education, and  expanded to Gunn High School.
It is now being co-sponsored by the Palo Alto Weekly, Palo Alto Unified School District and other community organizations, with major support from the California Family Foundation.

Being a Skilled Negotiator is the seventh publication in a program designed to help students and family members interact more positively and develop stronger abilities to negotiate and communicate. Copies of other publications are online at www.PAMF.org.
—LifeSkills Planning Committee 

Family LifeSkills Program
25 Churchill Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301
For information: (650) 329-3717
For help or Advice: (650) 327-TEEN; 327-3333

* Thanks to John Wax, MSW, Chief of Social Work at the Palo Alto VA Hospital and a lecturer on negotiation, for many of the above ideas.