“YES” is the most powerful word in the English language. Even though it is the most powerful word, that doesn't always mean it is the answer. Find the answer to a question, a conflict, an argument, etc. requires negotiation. To negotiate means to confer with one or more others in order to reach an agreement or reach an agreement. The basic idea seems quite simple, and in fact, trading is something that the majority of us do daily, whether at work, at home, or anywhere. In the text “Getting To Yes” by Roger Fisher and William Ury, they describe their four principles for effective negotiation. They also discuss three common obstacles to negotiation and how to overcome them. The four principles of effective negotiation are: 1) separate the people from the problem; 2) focus on interests rather than positions; 3) generate a variety of options before reaching an agreement; and 4) insist that the agreement be based on objective criteria. [p.11] Each of these principles must be examined at each stage of the negotiation process. The process as explained in the book begins with analyzing the problem or situation. The next step is to plan how to respond or manage the situation. The final stage is the discussion part during which a solution to the problem is discussed and agreed upon. Fisher and Ury's first principle was to separate the people from the problem. As explained in the text, people tend to build relationships or become personally involved in issues and often take their responses as personal attacks. If you put yourself in the opposing group's shoes and looked at the same problem, it might help you better understand the problem or at least their perspective. Emotions also play an important role in irrational arguments, which ultimately lead to neither party winning. Focusing on interests is the second principle of the book and speaks to the interest of the parties and not so much their positions. As Fisher and Ury explain: “Your position is something you have decided. It is your interests that have pushed you to make this decision. » [p. 42] When people focus only on the position they take and not their underlying interests, they can focus too much on arguing instead of reaching agreements. Each party generally has many different interests in its position and they may differ among individuals in each camp, but overall people will share some basic interests when it comes to needs..