What is a Non-Negotiable?

It's your line in the sand.

On the other side of that line in the sand are things that don't meet your goals, your worth, your values or principles. They just don't fit, or don't feel right.

My client recently faced down one of her "didn't feel right" moments, and got really clear on what she was prepared to do in a negotiation.

Her non-negotiable was her value for integrity. The line in the sand she decided she would not compromise.

She pushed past her feeling of discomfort and gendered social norms to "play nice" and not make others feel bad. And discovered that she would rather "walk away" from her lucrative C-Suite role than accept the proposal.

Her line in the sand gave her strength and conviction to reject the proposal and seek a better outcome.

Non-negotiables are crucial for success in negotiation. Knowing your absolute lines in the sand help to identify where else you are willing to be flexible, to Give and Take {see Adam Grant's book and research on how success requires both give AND take}.

Bottom Line: Non-negotiables are powerful.

Where else in your life and work are non-negotiables important? How about your health and wellness? In your relationship with your partner? Your children? Even your pets? {Fans of Caesar Millan know what I'm talking about here}

Let me know, and I'll write more about that next time.