For the first time in the history of the Olympic Summer Games, the Opening Ceremony did not take place in a stadium. Paris 2024 broke new ground with the parade of athletes down the Seine. It set a tone for the Games that got me thinking: If you were to produce an Opening Ceremony for your negotiations, what would it be?
Let’s take a few cues from the Olympic organizers on how to create an Opening Ceremony.
Set Expectations
Expectations for the Opening Ceremony are written in the charter for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The very first point is that the Games must distinguish themselves from all other international sporting events.
Similarly, you may need to distinguish your negotiation from a typical conversation, as we frequently negotiate with people we engage on a regular basis — clients, vendors, co-workers, friends, and family. Creating space for your negotiation includes setting expectations so that everyone can stay focused on the goal at hand. It’s appropriate to communicate to the other side what you want to accomplish with your negotiation. Remember, it’s OK to tell people what you want, just not how badly you want it!
Create an Agenda
Rule 55 of the Olympic Charter specifies the protocols and framework each ceremony must follow.
The same can be done for your Negotiation Opening Ceremony. You may not include the release of doves or the lighting of the Olympic flame, but you can ensure everyone is on the same page by laying out an agenda. Include what needs to be discussed and addressed, and who will be participating. If at any point the negotiation goes astray, the agenda can be used to put it back on track.
Rehearse
Preparation for the Paris Olympics began well before the host city was selected in September 2017. Since then, massive efforts have been made to ensure that the venues are ready for competition and the city is prepared for its hosting duties, including sourcing 45,000 volunteers to work the event. Rehearsals for the Opening Ceremony itself have been going on for months, and the results were spectacular.
It’s also important for you to rehearse your Negotiation Opening Ceremony. Plan out where and how the negotiation will take place. Practice exactly what you’ll say when it begins. The opening is one of the few aspects of your negotiation that you can actually rehearse and execute as planned. Just like the Olympics, once the games begin, nothing will go exactly as planned.
I hope the Olympic Games are as entertaining as the Opening Ceremony was. I can’t wait to watch all the competitions and cheer for our athletes. But as I watch, I’ll also be looking for tips and inspiration to bring to the negotiating table. Go for the gold!
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