NCSL Legislative Video Resource Center

Traditional business and legal negotiation practices have centered on an oppositional, zero-sum game approach that seeks clear winners and losers. But negotiation in the legislative realm is different in many ways, with multiple stakeholders, complex interests and both policy and political considerations to balance. In this workshop, legislators will learn to identify their primary interests, and the interests of their negotiating partner, develop creative options to circumvent roadblocks, preserve relationships with their negotiating partners for future interactions and more. The goal of this training is to develop the skills and creativity necessary to engage in successful negotiation practices that produce more optimal outcomes.

Transitioning from campaigning to governing is critical to becoming an effective legislator. This session will cover four ideas for making the shift and finding success in your new role.