Ensign Taggart - Make it their Idea....
Iain Turnbull
((Conference Room, Deck 5, USS Octavia E Butler))
Maintaining his half-open half-closed posture of both leaning forward to promote closeness, yet lacing his fingers together as a symbolic barrier, Taggart raised a lightly questioning eyebrow.
Taggert: Strings attached? Would you care to elaborate on these strings, Lieutenant?
Nilsen: I mean, it ain’t bad, in the Federation we work together in a kind of union, each planet is represented on the council, we share resources, we come to your aid in times of need. I’m sure you know the details and for the price of single mine that sounds
great right? But then, our problems become your problems, just as much as we come to your aid, we expect you to do the same. Suddenly, it doesn’t seem such a good deal.
Taggart took that as his cue to lean back in his seat.
Taggert: We have no objection to mutual assistance, unless of course it becomes a burden.
Nilsen: Now, if you and your people are sure you want in, then that process is out of my hands. You'll have to petition the federation council and meet a whole bunch of criteria that I can't remember off the top of my head, but that’s a big commitment for just
one mine.
Martinso: ::looking up to the ceiling:: oO Please God, if you exist, stop this. Oo ::under his breath and into his hand:: Don't talk them out of what they want.
Taggert: We are committed to our course of sharing the resources in our possession. Our desire for membership of your Federation however, is the bedrock upon which we wish to build this arrangement.
Nilsen: But there is nothin' stopping us from trading. You've got the means to mine the ore effectively, but you've got a problem we can help you with. You don't have as much land to farm on as other planets. We can provide you with agricultural technology
to make better use of your limited space; hydroponics, minor weather control systems, and soil reclamation projects come to mind.
Martinsn folded his hands together on the table and looked over at Taggart. Glancing over, Taggart allowed a small smirk to form. That had been a nice change of direction, throwing out something that could be practically offered without promising a members charter outright.
Martinson: ::to Taggert:: Well, that's something to consider, yes?
Taggert: It is indeed. We are, as you note, rather short of usable croplands.
Martinson: Ok, I want to pause here. Do a bit of review.
Taggart gave a light nod, breaking out of his “characters” posture and relaxing into his seat properly. He waved a hand for the Lieutenant to voice his thoughts so far.
Taggart: Review away.
Nilsen: response
Martinson: One thing I learned early on, hit first, hit hard. Meaning, layout what you're willing to offer and what you want in exchange. Be firm about it. Almost always, both parties already know why they're there.
Taggart: Also, start much lower – depending upon the situation – than what you are able guarantee. That way you are actively appearing to make larger compromises and concessions than you really are. ::He paused, glancing at Martinson.:: It's a delicate balance though, as you don't want to over-egg it and appear dishonest.
Nilsen: response
Martinson: The reason you do that, it forces whoever you're negotiating with to compromise. It puts them on the defensive.
Nilsen: response
Taggart: Sure, gives you an extra card in your hand if the other negotiator is on the back foot.
Martinson: Well, if they don't want to compromise ::beat:: walk away. Or at least act like you're walking away. It lets them think you don't need what they have. Now they have to impress you. Again, forcing them to compromise.
Nilsen/Taggert: response
In our little scenario for example, membership isn't up for compromise. That's what is wanted, end of. However, if it comes to the point that you're now walking away and offering nothing at all, then a hefty independent trade deal doesn't seem like such a bad thing all of a sudden.
Nilsen/Martinson: response
Taggart nodded strongly, raising up a finger.
Taggart: Exactly. You're not closing the door on membership, just taking it off the table.
Nilsen/Martinson: response
He held up a second finger.
Taggart: You're offering trade. Which they could accept as a form of membership by association and allows them to build towards a formal application.
Nilsen/Martinson: response
Taggart held up a third finger, before lowering his hand.
Taggart: Lastly, it means that you have pushed no longer negotiating membership to being their idea. Which is a lot more palatable than you slamming the proverbial door on it.
Nilsen/Martinson
tags/TBC
--
Ensign Simeon Taggart.
Close Protection Officer.
Starfleet Diplomatic Corps Security.
Simmed by;
1st Lieutenant Arturo Maxwell.
Marine Officer, 4/73 Marines.
USS Octavia E Butler: NCC-82850.
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