With me or with you? To me or to you? „These are not questions about a romantic tryst. This is a fundamental issue that needs to be resolved before the first negotiation meeting.

Most experts agree that location affects the  course and outcome of the negotiation process. However, there is no longer such agreement when it comes to choosing the best location.

Negotiating at home gives:

• a sense of comfort and security
• the ability to use knowledge and data (access to colleagues or to the archive)
• saving time and resources (if the trip requires investment)

Negotiating with our opponents means:

• Expression of respect for the hosts
• A nod to opponents
• a manifestation of our self-confidence

• Ability to collect information

Negotiating in a different, neutral place is a fair way for both sides, not distinguishing either.

Remember, however, that one of the parties chooses and proposes / indicates this and not another location. Thus, even this seemingly neutral location is burdened with the preferences of one of the parties.

Regardless of where we finally meet, it is important that in this place:

• the right temperature was
• There was an influx of fresh air
• there was adequate lighting
• There was access to drinks (hot and cold)
• there were comfortable places to sit and write
• There were necessary devices, e.g. projector, flipczart, etc.

Source: https://poradniknegocjatora.pl/miejsce-negocjacji/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.