George J. Siedel, a prominent negotiation expert, identifies seven main strategies. These include distributive bargaining, integrative bargaining, competitive or hard-ball tactics, concession making and tearing apart the packages of issues to be discussed. He also recognizes collaborative problem-solving and principled negotiation for complex deliberations with long-term implications.
Distributive bargaining is a win-lose approach where both parties negotiate for their interests without regard for the other's needs. Integrative bargaining seeks mutual gain by considering each party's interests to make it possible for both sides to achieve their goals. Competitive or hardball tactics are designed to maximize one’s position at the other party's expense. At the same time, concession-making is a strategy of giving and taking to reach an acceptable deal.
Tearing apart the packages of issues to be negotiated is a tactic where one party attempts to break down all the points of negotiation into smaller parts so that it can gain a better understanding and haggle more effectively. Collaborative problem-solving is an alternative method which encourages collaboration among parties by promoting cooperation, communication, respect and trust.
Finally, George J. Siedel also recognizes principled negotiation as a way to handle complex negotiations with long-term implications. This approach focuses on interests rather than positions, emphasizes mutual gains, uses objective decision-making criteria and seeks satisfactory arrangements for all. By being aware of these main strategies, you can adjust your tactics accordingly and reach the best possible outcome.