Home Toolkit Confidence, Presence & Influence Negotiation Framework
NEGOTIATION FRAMEWORK

Negotiate with calm leverage (without posturing)

Build a clear ask, credible leverage and a practical script — so you improve outcomes on pay, scope, flexibility or workload without damaging trust.
Related Categories
Clarity, Priorities & Direction Confidence, Presence & Influence Expectations
How to use this framework

Decision clarity is not certainty. It's getting to a choice you can explain, commit to, and execute — without reopening it every day.

Use this when you're stuck between options, waiting for "more information", or looping in over-analysis. You'll make the options explicit, surface the real trade-offs, stress-test risk, and finish with a commitment statement + next action.

If a decision cannot survive honest trade-offs, it isn't a decision — it's a wish.

Time20–30 mins
Output1 decision brief
DepthStrategic
Best useWhen stuck
Decision clarity score

This isn't a performance score. It's a clarity signal — so you leave with a decision you can defend, not a half-formed debate.

Completed 0%
Define0%
Leverage0%
Constraints0%
Plan0%
Decision friction patterns

Most “hard decisions” are not a lack of intelligence — they’re a clash of incentives. Use this as a mirror: name the pattern, then build the decision around it.

Perfection loop
You keep refining because choosing means closing doors. Fix: define “good enough” and set a deadline.
Conflict avoidance
You delay because the decision creates a difficult conversation. Fix: write the conversation first.
Info addiction
You’re waiting for “one more data point”. Fix: decide what evidence would actually change your mind.
Identity fear
You’re protecting an image of yourself. Fix: choose the option that protects long-term integrity, not short-term comfort.
1
Define the negotiation Remove ambiguity so you're not negotiating "vibes".
0/4 complete
What exactly are you negotiating?
What is the primary variable?
What is tradeable (secondary variables)?
What is the decision window?
Rule: If you can't state your ask in one sentence, the other side will define it for you.
2
Leverage and proof signals Make your position credible without sounding entitled.
0/4 complete
What value do you create that would be costly to replace?
What evidence can you point to?
What leverage do you NOT have?
What is your BATNA / Plan B?
Reframe: Leverage is not ego. It's the cost of "no" and the safety of "yes".
3
Their constraints and incentives Negotiations move when you reduce perceived risk.
0/4 complete
What pressures is the decision-maker under?
What are they trying to protect?
What outcome would make their life easier?
What are you assuming that might be wrong?
Behaviour lens: People rarely say "no" because they dislike you. They say "no" because they fear consequences.
4
Plan, anchor and script Create movement without over-explaining or conceding early.
0/4 complete
Your preferred outcome + two alternatives
What anchor will you set first?
Your negotiation script (calm, credible)
Your walk-away point + next step
Tip: Offer options. Keep the frame factual. Anchor early. Silence is information.
Your Decision Clarity Output

Fill in the sections above, then generate your structured decision brief.
The output will summarise your anchor, infer your profile, and recommend next steps.

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