Are negotiating and dispute resolution the same thing?
No. Dispute resolution is a formalized process needed when the deal goes bad, usually because the parties failed to build a relationship as the underlying mission of the negotiation. At Watershed Associates, we emphasize using the negotiation process to build trust. The negotiation process is less formalized and depends on the caliber of a person’s negotiation skills. The relationship you create in the negotiation process and at the negotiating table will be replicated when post-agreement issues arise, helping you to eliminate the need for formal dispute resolution.
