Persistence

Definition

Persistence refers to the continuous effort to overcome obstacles and resistance in negotiation and conflict resolution. This quality is crucial in dealing with stonewalling, where one party may refuse to engage or communicate, as it allows individuals to maintain their focus on achieving a resolution despite setbacks. It involves tenacity and determination, emphasizing the need to keep pushing forward even when faced with challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Persistence is often essential in negotiations as it can help break through stalemates and encourage dialogue.
2. When faced with stonewalling, persistent individuals can use various techniques such as active listening and reframing to re-engage the other party.
3. Persisting in negotiation demonstrates commitment to the issue at hand and can build trust over time.
4. However, persistence must be balanced; overly aggressive persistence may lead to frustration or escalated conflict.
5. Effective persistence involves recognizing when to adapt strategies rather than applying the same approach indefinitely.

Review Questions

• How does persistence play a role in overcoming stonewalling during negotiations?
  • Persistence is key in overcoming stonewalling as it allows negotiators to remain focused on achieving a resolution despite initial resistance. By continuously engaging with the other party, persistent negotiators can employ strategies like asking open-ended questions or addressing concerns directly, which may eventually break down barriers. This tenacity helps to maintain the conversation and keeps the possibility of reaching an agreement alive.
• Discuss how maintaining persistence can influence the dynamics of a negotiation process.
  • Maintaining persistence during negotiations can significantly influence the dynamics by shifting power balances and fostering a more open dialogue. When one party exhibits persistence, it signals commitment and determination, which may compel the other party to reconsider their position or engage more actively. This can lead to a more productive negotiation atmosphere where both sides feel encouraged to explore solutions rather than becoming entrenched in their views.
• Evaluate the potential risks and benefits of using persistence as a strategy in conflict resolution.
  • Using persistence as a strategy in conflict resolution has both risks and benefits that need careful evaluation. On the positive side, persistence can lead to breakthroughs when negotiations are stalled, promoting creative solutions and demonstrating commitment to resolving issues. However, if not managed wisely, persistence might backfire, creating resentment or escalating conflicts if one party perceives it as stubbornness or aggression. Thus, it's essential for individuals to gauge the situation and adjust their level of persistence accordingly for optimal results.

Related terms

Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties and adapt well in the face of adversity.

Negotiation Tactics: Strategic methods used by negotiators to influence the outcome of discussions and achieve desired results.

Conflict Resolution Strategies: Approaches employed to resolve disagreements and find mutually acceptable solutions.