Swordcraft
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Negotiation Anatomy™
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swordcraft
/sɔːdkrɑːft/ (Also “swordsmanship” (archaic)) (n.)
Adeptness with the tools, and enculturation in the ethics, of the great martial art of negotiation.
Understand “swordcraft,” here, as a technique in an infinite game. It does not manifest as outright hostile behaviour — that would be guncraft, and it has no place in a negotiation you not planning to end — rather, swordcraft is a technical, impressive and beautiful, but above all constructive dance: a theatrical demonstration of skill, balance, movement and technique intended not to win, but to continue the game, by conveying excellence: subject-matter expertise, concern for one’s own position and commitment to the forthcoming partnership.
Negotiation is a form of courtship ritual.
Note that while Swordcraft demands of its practitioners innate interpersonal skills, it is largely learned. The most effortless charmer must put putting in the hours to do it: learning your subject matter, learning what matters and what doesn’t, practising situational application of serenity’s prayer.