Leaking

Disciplines > Negotiation > Negotiation tactics > Leaking

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Let misleading information 'leak' out from your side.

Let them overhear you talking about particular (but false) needs or strategies that you have.

Leave documents on the table that they might read or copy.

Let something 'slip out' during conversation.

Have a person on your side 'sympathetically' tell them something.

Example

In a negotiation I have my papers flat on the table with a highlighted section that can be easily read upside down.

We have a corridor conversation near where they are having coffee -- we get excited and voices get raised...

Discussion

When people receive 'leaked' information, it can be very exciting for them as they believe they have a significant advantage over you. This leads them to focus largely on these areas -- and consequently avoid other areas (where perhaps you do not want them to go).

When the leak proves eventually to be false (if they ever find out this), then they are unable to complain, for to do so would be to admit deceptive and possibly criminal behavior.