PAUSE

PAUSE: Collaboration or Competition?

As the Apostle Paul put it, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil. 2:3-4) We can also see Matt. 22:39; 1 Cor. 13:5; Matt. 7:12.

A biblical approach to negotiation may be summarized in five basic steps, referred to as the PAUSE Principle:

Prepare (pray, get the facts, seek godly counsel, develop options)
Affirm relationships (show genuine concern and respect for others)
Understand interests (identify others' concerns, desires, needs, limitations, or fears)
Search for creative solutions (prayerful brainstorming)
Evaluate options objectively and reasonably (evaluate, don't argue)

If you have never used this approach to negotiation before, it can take time and practice (and sometimes advice from others) to become proficient at it. But it is well worth the effort, because learning the PAUSE principle will help you not only to resolve your present dispute but also to negotiate more effectively in all areas of your life.

Embracing the journey...pursuing the dream...