In business, a common misconception is that negotiation is a discrete occurrence, materializing only occasionally. While it is certainly true that there are times when negotiation is very much the focus, such as discussions around sales terms or promotions, every business day is peppered with smaller negotiations.
Similarly everything you do influences the way you go about those negotiations, from your appearance to the coffee you drink. How does your Starbucks order impact your negotiation style?
Filter Coffee – you are a straight shooter, and just want to get it done. And also you just want caffeine now, thanks very much.
Espresso – you are intense, to the point, and people often mispronounce your name. You might be short in stature, but you pack a mean punch.
Frapuccino – you are not well respected as a serious negotiator, but secretly everyone loves you, and will get you what you want when nobody is looking.
Iced Skinny Flavoured Soy Latte – you want all the bells and whistles, but you would like them to be ethically sourced. You have no problem broadcasting your many talents and selling yourself, nor making your companions wait while the barista carefully drops organic ice cubes into your drink.
Hazelnut Macchiato – you are what you are, and you’re not afraid to show it. Not everyone will agree with you all the time, and some might wonder why you’re calling it a coffee at all, but you normally get what you want.
Flat White – you didn’t want to win this negotiation particularly, but you heard everyone else wants to, so you thought you would too. You don’t really know what it entails, but it sort of tastes nice.
Double Espresso – you are a madman with no regard for human life.
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