To be able to market ourselves is such a delicate skill! We need to be able to articulate, make our audience believe that there is something in it for them, while we make sure our underlying objective is put forth to the front and center of their minds. If everyone masters this skill, there probably won't be any conflicts at any level!
Our seven year old brought home a book order form from school. A shiny glittery toy set that was in it instantly caught her eye first thing yesterday. She announced that she really wants to order it. It is 'only' ten dollars, she added hopefully. I looked straight into her eyes and asked, What is in it for me? I said there is no way I would get it for her if she does not market her idea and convince me that I should get it for her. She cried. She protested. I had to use my meanest mom voice. She decided to scream out in the whiniest of tones: You Are Mean. And we actually made it to school and work respectively despite this terrific start to the morning.
Later that evening, I attended my fourth committee meeting to decide on the elementary school boundaries for our district. As with the prior three meetings, there were a lot of neighbors from our community that shared their feelings, opinions and suggestions for which neighborhoods are best suited for each of the three schools in the area. As many as thirty six people gave their testimonials. Some talked about wanting to walk their child to school. Some talked about the desire to keep younger sibling in the same school as that the older one attended. Some wanted their neighbors' kids to go to the same school as theirs. Some were extremely good at articulating their concerns in a manner that made sense for everyone involved.
The problem at hand is- we need to redraw the boundaries for our schools. If there can be multiple solutions, everyone in the room will get their wishes fulfilled. Sadly, that is not the case. The solution must be unique. So I sat there at the table, trying to figure out what scenario makes sense for most people. I realized that, subconsciously, I was listening more to the testimonials that made an effort to spare a thought for others. Somehow, the suggestions that included consideration and empathy for others affected by the same situation caught my attention way more than those that strictly included personal constraints and preferences. We did not end up making the final recommendation at this meeting; there's another 3hr meeting for that; We just narrowed down our choices and headed home.
When I made it home, I found a letter addressed to me on the island. It was my daughter's sales pitch.
"Amma, I really want that cute set from the book order because I will help clean the house on the weekend. Do all my homework. Clean the dishes. Anything you want me to do, I will do it. Please please can I have it? I wrote the letter. :) If you want to write something back, please write it on the back. Please. Love, Raaga"
I feel that this child has ways to go in terms of negotiation, given how she said "anything you want me to do, I will do it". But she almost had the deal at dishes. Isn't it funny how I heard dishes and cleaning the house a lot louder than her doing her homework? Maybe it is not too bad a pitch after all. :)
 |
| Her original sales pitch |
 |
| My negotiation |
No comments:
Post a Comment