Leading a business these days can feel like walking a tightrope in an earthquake. Board members, management teams and company advisors are all navigating intense external and internal pressures, faced with conflicting demands and severe consequences for any misstep. While business leaders are typically pragmatic about adjusting to a changing landscape, they may also be privately troubled by changes that go too far – calling company values into question, undermining long-term value, setting dangerous precedents or crossing ethical red lines.
Yet, realistically, what options do these leaders have to act on their concerns? On the surface it can seem like the only way to disagree or say no – as an individual or as the leader of an organization – involves “picking a fight” with all the escalation, conflict and risk that entails.
Paradoxically, the ability to craft a “Positive No” is a way off this tightrope, and an essential skill for getting to “yes.” As outlined by negotiations expert William Ury (see Getting to Yes and The Power of a Positive No), a Positive No starts with a fundamental commitment to integrity and mutual respect, identifies what is aligned for us and where we disagree, and then refocuses the conversation on moving forward – including how others can advance their interests and values. By shifting from antagonism to principled engagement, this approach helps leaders and companies reduce the risk of escalation and refocus on their values, priorities and long-term commitments.
Please join us as we pilot a new workshop to explore how a Positive No can help you get to Yes in your situation. In this short hands-on session, we will:
- Learn the three elements of a “Positive No,” including how to clarify your “yes”, disagree in ways that minimize escalation, and refocus on opportunities for constructive solutions
- Practice crafting a Positive No tailored to your situation as an individual or as a leader of your firm
- Be able to recognize when a Positive No may be needed to empower your Yes
- Explore how a Positive No might apply to an external conflict scenario involving your firm
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, August 7
- Time: 10-11:30am PT/1-2:30pm ET
- Location: Zoom Meeting
This pilot session is designed for corporate directors; executives in Legal, Communications, Risk Management, Government Affairs, Sustainability, Human Resources and Inclusion functions; business groups and conveners; and expert advisors. Following the pilot, we hope to offer an expanded version to companies, associations and groups in the fall. Please join us and share your thoughts on how to make it most useful!
Bios and Background
The workshop will be led by Elizabeth Doty, Executive Director of Third Side Strategies, and former Director of the Erb Institute’s Corporate Political Responsibility Taskforce at the University of Michigan. Elizabeth assisted William Ury with research for his book, The Power of a Positive No, and has helped dozens of senior leaders apply the method to internal and external negotiations.
Third Side Strategies is strictly non-partisan and does not advocate, promote or support any political party or candidate in its materials or communications. We provide and model thought processes for evaluating proposals based on CPR principles, but we do not endorse or advocate particular policies or legislation. Authors and speakers we host may express their views freely, but are invited to bring a “third side mindset” to their communications when collaborating with us.