When I engage in negotiations with my state government employer, I always design an escape clause into the demands I am discussing. I create a series of escalating demands based on what I am seeking to achieve with a number of side issues designed to create division, a reallocation of resources, a diversion, and a possibility to either escalate or deescalate the negotiation based on their desire to negotiate a solution.

When you are involved in a hostile negotiation, a number of offensive and defensive strategies are required to avoid being steamrolled. This is especially important when the management holds all the power and wields this power at their whim. As an individual, you are in the weaker position, you need to devise strategies to prevent any initiative being blocked, shut down, hijacked or roadblock tactics to wear down and pressure an opponent.

An escape clause is an important negotiating weapon that I would deem a defensive strategy, you give the management an opportunity to negotiate a settlement. Utilising this strategy, this is not deemed a win/lose negotiation, they have an opportunity to attempt to broker a solution and not just solely erect obstacles. Basically, they have been offered an opportunity to back down without humiliation, a de-escalation clause that they never seem to identify and never take advantage of – they just cannot work out my tactics.