Author Archives: WNI

9 Ways to Strengthen Your Negotiation Skills – Reflections from the Field

9 Ways to Strengthen Your Negotiation Skills – Reflections from the Field

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 […]

This Is a Mind Game: Why Negotiation Challenges You – and How Brain Science Can Make You Better

Young man uses chess pieces to visualize and strategize his next negotiation

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 […]

Mediation must become an integrated part of Norway’s trade policy

Mekling må bli en integrert del av norsk handelspolitikk

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 […]

Workplace conflict – a matter of psychology and personality

Two men in a workplace conflict openly arguing in the workplace.

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. […]

Strengthening Internal Negotiation Awareness and Skills in Complex Negotiations

Strengthening Internal Negotiation Awareness and Skills in Complex Negotiations

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, […]

Most leaders lose millions in negotiations—without even realizing it

Negotiatons

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 […]

Finding Harmony Through Scandinavian Concepts: Hygge, Mysig, and Trivelig in Conflict Resolution

Scandinavian concepts

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: […]

“I have learned that being nice is not the same as being weak.”

I have learned that being nice is not the same as being weak

This reflection, shared at a Christmas concert last Sunday, perfectly captures the essence of “The Power of Nice”, the negotiation strategy I train teams to use. Too often, negotiation is seen as combat—a win-lose battle. But the truth is the three C’s; C – collaboration, combined with C – clarity and C – confidence, are what […]

Celebrating the Power of Negotiation with Venera Kusari!

The power og negotiation

On November 27th, the stunning LOTTE HOTEL YANGON became the hub of transformation as Ms. Venera Kusari led a groundbreaking workshop on “The Power of Negotiation”, hosted by the Myanmar Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MHKCCI). Over 100 participants from ASEAN chambers joined this incredible session, proving once again that negotiation is not […]

How to Turn Negotiation Failures into Your Strength

Forhandlingsfeil

By Roar Wægger Failure is often perceived as the antithesis of success, a roadblock that halts progress. But in negotiation, failure is not only inevitable – it’s a critical part of the journey toward mastery. By creating a habit and structure in examining our setbacks, we gain valuable insights into our own behaviors, the dynamics […]