Tip of the week

Time is a highly effective point of leverage in negotiations. Ensure you are in control of it to improve your position and increase power. Remember that most deadlines are artificial. Decide how you may wish to use milestones rather than be the victim of seemingly imposed deadlines.

The Gap Partnership

'Mirroring body language' is a key negotiation technique

Both sides will feel on the same level if they have identical stances

09 August 2010

Employees should mirror their adversary's body language as it is a crucial negotiation technique, according to an expert.

Nick Morgan, president of Public Words, a communications consulting firm, expressed his belief that negotiators should adopt a similar seating or standing position as their opponent.

He wrote on forbes.com: "That will send an unconscious message to the person that you are on an equal level and generally in agreement with them. They will begin to trust you."

Although many disagreements can be avoided even before verbal communication has started, certain situations require a different approach.

Mr Morgan claimed employees should align themselves with the other side if they become aggressive.

By facing the same way as their abusive adversary, negotiators show they are heading in the same direction and are adopting a non-threatening stance.

Mirroring and alignment should not be used obviously as it may be perceived as patronising, he added.

Gap News

October 2011

Gap Tools, Online Negotiation Planning Solution

As part of the their ongoing commitment to innovation, The Gap Partnership launched Gap Tools, the world's first online Negotiation Planning toolkit.

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October 2011

‘The Negotiation Book’

'The Negotiation Book', a must-have for any negotiator, available to order on Amazon

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September 2011

2011-2012 Events

The Gap Partnership would like to thank visitors to our latest breakfast seminar, Joint Business Planning: Profit in Partnership.

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March 2011

£42,000 donation to Caravan Charity.

The Gap Partnership in conjunction with GSK and Asda are pleased to announce the success of a one-day interactive negotiation workshop - a donation of £42,000.

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March 2011

Asia-Pacific offices now open

Our business is expanding globally and has opened offices in both Sydney and Hong Kong.

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