Negotiation exercises aren’t confined to boardrooms or contract discussions. They are daily human skills—and the more you practice, the better you become. Instead of waiting for high-stakes negotiations, use everyday situations to sharpen your questioning and listening abilities. Want to understand how much your negotiation style might be costing you? Read: Most leaders lose millions […]
Author Archives: WNI
27
May
May
In today’s unpredictable world, where complexity and rapid change are the norm, the strongest leaders are not those with the loudest voices or the sharpest elbows.They are those who can listen deeply, reflect clearly, and connect genuinely. In short, they lead with human-centric skills. These are the abilities that often get called “soft,” but they’re […]
Articles
From White Smoke to Lasting Agreement: What Papal Elections and Mediation Teach Us About the Power of Process
19
May
May
When decisions must be made under pressure and parties have differing interests, it’s often not the substance that determines the outcome—but how we structure the process. Whether it’s a sensitive negotiation in the workplace, a mediation between two parties, or the election of a new pope in the Vatican, experience shows that structure, safety, and […]
05
May
May
After years of training and advising professionals across sectors and countries, I’ve seen the same negotiation patterns repeat — both strengths and common stumbling points. While each situation is unique, your negotiation skills and preparation habits often determine the outcome more than the numbers themselves. To bring this to life, imagine a real negotiation between […]
Articles
This Is a Mind Game: Why Negotiation Challenges You – and How Brain Science Can Make You Better
09
Apr
Apr
At Wægger Negotiation Institute (WNI), we believe conflict resolution isn’t just about logic or tactics — it’s about people. And people, as it turns out, are wired in ways that explain why negotiation can be so challenging. Thanks to the rise of brain science, we’re now gaining sharper insights into how our brains react in […]
03
Apr
Apr
How can Norwegian businesses succeed in markets like India – when conflicts arise and the path through the courts is long and uncertain? In this article, I argue why Norway must sign the Singapore Convention on Mediation, as India did in 2019, and how this can give exporters and importers a real strategic advantage in […]
24
Mar
Mar
Last week I, Roar Wægger, had the chance to work with some incredible people – through negotiation training, advisory sessions, and as a judge in several international negotiation and mediation competitions. Across these different settings, countries, and cultures, a few commonalities kept showing up. Not the strategies nor tactics. Not the legal details. But people. […]
26
Feb
Feb
In today’s business world, organizations constantly engage in complex negotiations—whether with suppliers, clients, or internal stakeholders. To navigate these intricate discussions successfully, companies must cultivate a strong internal culture of negotiation awareness and skill development. Implementing structured negotiation training and strategies, based on our “The Power of Nice” (TPON) framework, can enhance collaboration, optimize outcomes, […]
12
Feb
Feb
The Boardroom Standoff: A Story Every Leader Knows It’s late afternoon in a high-rise office overlooking the city skyline. A seasoned CEO of a manufacturing firm sits across from an executive representing a major supplier. They are negotiating a high-stakes contract—millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs are on the line. The CEO pushes back […]
Articles
Finding Harmony Through Scandinavian Concepts: Hygge, Mysig, and Trivelig in Conflict Resolution
07
Jan
Jan
In the modern world, where disputes often escalate to unmanageable levels and tensions seem unavoidable, we look for solutions that not only resolve conflicts but also transform them into opportunities for deeper understanding and connection. Scandinavian cultures, renowned for their high levels of happiness and social trust, offer powerful yet understated tools for addressing conflict: […]