In a successful negotiation, everyone triumphs. The intrinsic necessity of a negotiation is that every desire that requires immediate satisfaction is met peacefully in a manner that does not cause chaos and chasms. On many occasions, the captive is usually held captive by an individual in high emotional charge (Olekalns, 2015). In the Bradley case, the fact he is armed and is emotionally volatile is a sensitive matter that requires a profound grasp of necessary skills in handling the most heated hostage negotiation crisis.
Approach to the Bradley Case
There is a need to understand the cause and extent of the standoff. By understanding the conflict between Mr. Bradley, his wife, and the Professor, we realize the intensity of their dispute and the extent of emotional volatility of Mr. Bradley. Therefore, the most appropriate move to resolve the conflict is first to establish communication and build a rapport with Mr. Bradley. Given that Mr. Bradley being the pivot of the whole crisis listening to his case first is vital. This will give him a chance to explain his position and allow us to gauge his emotional state. Despite giving us a lead on the next approach, it also helps us to check if the following strategy is necessary; if the person is ready to accept the terms of the person negotiating. We need to exploit different communication levels by examining statements based on content and perceived emotional attachment to the situation. According to Zahariadis, (2017) listening and addressing the case most adeptly has a significant effect in lowering temper in circumstances of an intense hostage crisis.
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Due to the emotive nature of the crisis, the next step to take after establishing a rapport is to identify the precipitating event . This step allows the laying of a critical framework to deal with the crisis and determine the kind of clash that needs to be resolved in the process of negotiation (Olekalns, 2015). In this case, it is Mrs. Bradley's love affair with the professor. The fact that there is a substantial emotional incongruity between them gives us a hook of what we are going to focus on during the negotiation and what we are going to offer as our end of the bargain. It is also important to provide reassurance to Mr. Bradley that his welfare will be safeguarded one the crisis is resolved. This will help assuage the intensity of internal conflict in Mr. Bradley’s mind, defuse charged emotions, and lay a groundwork for the subsequent hostage crisis resolution process.
Our main point of interest in this situation is not to get Mr. Bradley, his wife, and the professor in practical terms but to curb the danger imposed by Mr. Bradley on the lives of both the students, professor, and Mrs. Bradley. Therefore, our concern is vested on Mr. Bradley's actions, and the next step after establishing a fluid conversation with him is focusing on resolving the conflict. Problem solving involves sequential behavioral change, all to provide the client (Mr. Bradley) with a chance to explore other alternative methods of dealing with his situation to attain more tangible and real solutions. Problem-solving is a multistep process focused on; examining possible outcomes, opting for solutions favorable for both the negotiator and the person in crisis, and executing plans to implement reached solutions (Zahariadis, 2017). Comprehensive listening to the person in crisis is crucial as it redirects the thinking of the person to see other acceptable and equably rational methodologies to approach the situation.
References
Olekalns, M. (2015). Emotion and Negotiation. The International Encyclopedia of Interpersonal Communication , 1-5.
Zahariadis, N. (2017). Bargaining power and negotiation strategy: Examining the Greek bailouts, 2010–2015. Journal of European Public Policy , 24 (5), 675-694.
