negotiation workshops

Note: If you're about to go on a negotiation workshop, do not read this.


The red black game that all negotiation workshops use involves splitting the group into two teams, and getting both sides to try and achieve the maximum score by having them announce a vote of red or black. If one team votes red and the other one black then the red team wins 5 points and the black team 0, but if both teams vote red, then they both get 10 points. So after 10 rounds the score is announced and one team usually wins. At this point the facilitator will announce that both sides have lost because the aim was to achieve the maximum score which would have meant both teams voting red consistently.

As the dust settles, and the 'yes buts' get aired, it gradually dawns on the group that the purpose of negotiation is to work towards a common goal rather than get one up on an opponent.