Environmental Negotiations - The Art of Building Trust and Getting to “Yes”

THIS COURSE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO AUG.31-SEPT.2

Environmental Negotiations for Scientists and Resource Managers
Course ID: OPR-301
April 20 - 22, 2010, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Tsakopoulos Library Galleria - Sacramento Public Library
828 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814

Instructor: Jim Nelson

Registration | Directions | Accommodations | Course Brochure PDF | Course Catalog

Description: This workshop provides attendees with improved skills for effective participation in environmental negotiations. Environmental negotiations are often more complex due to their technical and regulatory intricacy, interest from many parties, and emotional nature of parties involved. This workshop presents basic negotiation concepts, specific environmental applications, and emphasizes principled (ethical) negotiation approaches building trust and relationships.

Negotiation simulations will be used to demonstrate skills and increase confidence. Role playing provides an interactive method to reinforce negotiation principles. Participants are taught to recognize commonly encountered tactics and shown productive responses. Instructors will provide examples of successful negotiations. The skills taught in this class help reduce negotiation anxiety while working to achieve successful outcomes. Participants will gain a better understanding of negotiation principles and approaches and practices for improving the outcome of environmental negotiations. Course materials will provide useful tools for future negotiations.

Course Topics:

Day One:
Introduction to a Process for Environmental Negotiations

Background on Negotiations

Concepts
Definitions
Styles

Preparing to Negotiate Interests, Alternatives, and Options

Day Two:
A Process for Negotiation II:

Bargaining

Issues Options
Packages

Managing Complex Negotiations I

Style Considerations in Negotiations

Case Studies and Challenges

Working on Negotiation Teams

Monitoring the progress of the negotiations

Day Two: Continued

Tricks and Tactics I

Interpersonal Skills in Negotiations

Active Listening Skills
Effective Questioning

Day Three:
A Process for Negotiations III:

Writing Sustainable Agreements

Monitoring

Managing Complex Negotiations

Skills for Difficult Negotiations
Managing Scientific and Technical Information

Tricks and Tactics II

Ethics in Negotiations

Third Party Assistance

Attendees will learn:

Basic negotiation concepts and terminology.
The difference between simple and complex environmental negotiations.
How to clarify alternatives to negotiation and create enhanced outcomes.
To negotiate in an ethical manner and consistent with good principles.
Manage negotiations and work on a team.
Improve listening and questioning skills.
How to close negotiations with agreements.

About the Instructor: Jim Nelson is a trained a mediator and facilitator with lengthy experience working in public meetings and helping groups with complex technical and organizational issues. He has taught a variety of courses including Facilitation, Public Meeting Techniques, Environmental Negotiations and Basic CEQA. He has authored technical papers on rare and endangered plants and is still active in habitat conservation efforts.

Intended Audience: This course is intended for planners, agency representatives, scientists, land managers, supervisors, program managers, environmental groups, and citizens interested in participating in the public process.

Prerequisites: Prior training is not necessary.

Course Materials: Each participant will receive a copy of the text Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In and course proceedings including notes and reference material on the first day of the course.

Self Reporting Continuing Education Units: 2.0

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Lunch will be on your own.

Registration: $645/545* Early bird rate registration rate, expires March 5, 2010; $695/$595*
(*reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to the day prior to the event. Registration may occur up to the day prior to the event provided that space is available.