Most people know that in order to find the sweet spot in negotiations, compromise is necessary, for all concerned.

But what do you do if you’ve compromised as far as you can and it’s still not enough for the other party or their position is pressed or the goalposts keep shifting?

It may be time to change tact. For example, why not consider making an offer closer to what you actually want/need? Sometimes this is enough to push the boundary back to a more reasonable range of outcomes, allowing for genuine compromise. Or, the change actually suits everyone and the outcome ultimately is more aligned with everyone’s interests and needs.

Negotiation is more than going backwards and forwards with offers. People are complicated, and conflict adds complexity to the dynamics between people, whether it arises at home, with friends and family, at work, or in business.

You never know until you ask, and mediation is a perfect forum for doing just that!