Gemotions

The negotiation was going well. Michael was in control, his voice steady, his arguments persuasive. He had anticipated every counterpoint, every objection. He knew exactly where he wanted to be at the end of the meeting.

“Michael, did you happen to attend Camp Sunnyside?” his opposite number asked, a slight smile playing on his lips. Michael paused, momentarily thrown. This wasn’t in his script.

“Yes, I did,” Michael answered, a flicker of surprise in his voice. "Are you serious?"

“No way! I was too!” His counterpart laughed. The tension in the room instantly evaporated. They spent the next few minutes reminiscing, exchanging stories of shared experiences. Michael found himself smiling.

When he returned to his negotiation, Michael found himself more relaxed. He negotiated with ease and understanding, the shared bond making the process remarkably smooth. The outcome was exactly as he’d planned, but it felt different, better.