As I’ve mentioned here, I’ve had all sorts of personalities on my teams. Loud, quiet, hardworking to hardly showing up for the sessions. How do you deal with them?
With respect to the number of employers I’ve worked with and for, I have adapted some of their long-standing guides for my use.
Here they are:
1. There is only one spokesperson at the table – And it’s me!
Translation – Once we are meeting with the other side YOU DON”T SAY ANYTHING unless called upon… by me! This avoids the other side’s attempt to split our team and insures we speak with a united voice.
2. When at the table always aim to assume a POKER face.
Translation – No expressions, no head shaking, no emotional flashes whatsoever!
3. As your employer’s representative you are responsible for keeping your principals notified of every development.
4. If your employer wants specific proposals to be advocated, it’s your job to explain the proposals to other members of the team and if requested provide background information as well.
5. When in our caucus or team meetings, you have every right to speak up and voice your opinions. I will do everything I can to advance your proposal. However once we reach a point in the process where we won’t progress further, I retain the veto power to withdraw your proposal for the common good.
6. If we work late into the evening, you are expected to do likewise. If you are not in attendance when decisions are made, well… too bad for you (and your employer)!
7. In addition to number 6, don’t tell your employer you are at negotiations when you’re really taking time off. Whatever your reason, your team won’t cover for you.
8. If the other side presents a proposal and information on the possible impacts to your employer is needed, you are responsible to collect that info.
9. Treat all discussions – both at the negotiating table and in our caucus meetings – in the strictest confidence!
Translation – Don’t repeat what’s been said!
10. Lastly, As in Life, DON’T Take Things Personally! Things are said at the table oftentimes to provoke a reaction, DON’T Be The Reaction!
Pretty Harsh? Well, I’ve experienced violations on every one of these rules over the years. I’ve had team members speak at the table, members not show up for sessions, even had one go to the union and suggest proposals that ” we would agree to.” AND behind my back too!
To minimize the likelihood of that happening, at the beginning of every negotiation, I meet with the team and go over these rules. I tell them I will do everything I can to advance their agendas – proposals, positions etc. I even go over my style of negotiating.
I tend to be less formal, asking questions to get the other side on the record as they respond, etc. I don’t usually get upset unless I need to make a point. Sometimes I may even crack wise. The key is that I want to remain in control while slowly lessening the other side’s ability to control the sessions.
One time I had just gone over these rules in my team’s caucus meeting. We went to the table and the union began presenting their proposals to us. I asked a simple question to the union, wanting them to further explain what it was they were seeking on one of their demands. And to get their response recorded in our notes. Suddenly, to my immediate right, one of my team members, a co-worker, decided to speak up and explain the union’s position to me! She was surprised I didn’t understand the other side’s position! The union didn’t even attempt to explain – my side did it for them!
Oh, I had some fun with her when we got back to our caucus!
In spite of the above example, these Rules really have been successful for me. I think our team benefits by knowing what’s expected of them too.
Give them a try to see if they don’t also work for you. Maybe you and your team, working together, will reach your resolutions.
Maybe beat some supernatural mobs too! (click the link below for this week’s video!)
JT