The Negotiator

As a parent watching your kids grow, you often wonder how they will eventually wind up and how much is a result of nature vs. nurture. Today, we went through a small episode that is typical of our interactions with Jeremy -- for as long as we've known him...

We were driving home after lunch and were well past Jeremy's nap time. Teresa, fearing that Jeremy would fall asleep prematurely in the car thereby minimizing his quality nap time, tapped him on the shoulder and offered a bribe ...

Teresa: Hey Jeremy -- do you want a candy?
Jeremy: I want two candies!
Teresa: No, just one for now.
Jeremy: How about one now and one after my nap?
Teresa: OK.

At work, I've been involved in some pretty hard nosed negotiations with other companies. Some participants are clearly uncomfortable in these situations. Others seem to thrive in these situations. Is negotiating skill something that can be taught? or are you just born with it? Jeremy's convincing me that this is something that is simply innate to particular personality types...