When Negotiating, Validate the Other's Point of View

When you’re in the middle of an important negotiation, validating the other person's point is not typically the first thing on your mind. It's more likely that you are thinking about what you want. But considering the other person's point should actually be your top priority. If you validate your counterpart’s perspective, expertise, and feelings, you will be positioned to achieve the best outcome for yourself.

The opposing-parties approach of you vs. them is no longer valid. Today that approach must be replaced by the business partners approach to negotiation.  Openness and sincerity replace being self-centered and egotistical. Show the other person, who is now your partner in negotiation, that you value their perspective and needs.

The likely result of taking a me-only position will limit your ability to reach an amicable agreement. You may reach an impasse. The impasse is the point within a negotiation when the 2 parties are unable to see an effective agreement. As this develops, each person in the negotiation might dig their heels in deeper, anchoring themselves in their own position without compromise or a path to completing the negotiation.

The negotiation itself should be a careful evaluation of your position and the other person's position, with the goal of finding a mutually acceptable compromise that gives you both as much of what you want as possible. In an ideal situation, you will find that the other person wants what you are prepared to give, and that you are prepared to give what the other person wants. For a negotiation outcome to be positive, both parties should feel positive about the negotiation once it's over.

When you don't expect to deal with the other person ever again, or you do not need their goodwill in the future, then it may be appropriate to seek to win a negotiation while the other party loses out. However, doing so with someone with whom you have an ongoing relationship will damage that relationship and may lead to reprisals later. Instead, fairness, honesty and openness are the best policies. Considering the perspective of the other has the best chance to yield a positive negotiation result. In addition, this helps people keep good working relationships afterwards.

Should I Upgrade to Windows 10?

Microsoft released its latest operating system, Windows 10, on July, 29 2015. By the end of 2015, Windows 10 was installed on over 200 million devices on the way to Microsoft's target installation of 1 billion devices within 3 years of it's release. So, should you upgrade your PC to Windows 10 now? The absolute, definitive answer is...  "It Depends".

What is an Operating System

An operating system (OS) is the most important software that runs on any computer. It manages and controls the computer's use of memory, processes, and all of its software, peripherals and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without having to know the computer's actual "language" (e.g. via a keyboard, monitor and mouse). Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

At the end of 2015, this was the estimated PC operating system deployment market share (as per Net Applications.com):

Microsoft: Windows 7: Windows 10: Windows 8 / 8.1: Windows XP: Others: Apple (all Mac OS): Linux / Other:

47.82% 15.34% 13.04% 10.63%   1.94%   9.57%   1.66%

Decision Factors:

• Windows 10 is a free upgrade to current users of Windows 7 and 8.1. There’s a good chance that your PC is already displaying a new icon in the system tray and prompting you to upgrade. Officially, the free upgrade offer ends on July 29, 2016, 1 year after the original release date. For Windows XP or Vista users, Windows 10 is a paid upgrade, which may be a bigger decision factor.
• The Windows 10 download and upgrade are automatic. Via the new icon in the system tray or the pop-up prompt, you can have the upgrade run now or schedule the upgrade for a future time.
• If you are not tech savvy, you can schedule a free appointment at a Microsoft store for a technician to perform the upgrade for you. You will likely need to leave your device at the Microsoft store for a few days.
• Windows 10 includes "Cortana", the virtual assistant that is similar to Google Now and Apple’s Siri on smart phones. You can control elements of your PC simply by using your voice.
• For major software you have installed on your PC, it is likely to be a smooth upgrade. However, check with the software provider if you are not sure.
• For peripherals such as printers and scanners, you may need to download new drivers to ensure they work properly on the new platform.
• The overall look-and-feel of Windows 10 is similar to Windows 7 and the Windows 8.1 desktop. But, there are some differences that you may need time to adjust to.
• Windows OS End-of-Support dates:
• WinXP/Vista: Completely desupported
• Windows 7: No mainstream support (no product upgrades)
Security upgrades through July 2020
• Windows 8: Mainstream support through January 2018
Security upgrades through January 2023
• Windows 10: Mainstream support through October 2020

If I Upgrade and Don't Like it, Can I Downgrade?

Microsoft has built in a process that only requires a few clicks to have the system roll back to Windows 7 or 8.1, as long as you haven’t deleted the windows.old folder that stores your previous version. Click HERE to link to Microsoft's roll back instructions.

As you can see, the decision to upgrade your Windows PC to Windows 10 depends on several factors. The overall results of upgrading to Windows 10 is that process is fairly smooth, and the platform is stable. However, proceed moving forward aware of the factors listed above to minimize disruption and surprises by the upgrade process.