"YES" is the most powerful word in the English language. Even if it's the most powerful word, it doesn't always mean it's the answer. Find the answer to any question, conflict, discussion etc. requires negotiation. To negotiate means to confer with one or more others to come to terms or reach an agreement. The basic idea seems pretty simple, and in fact negotiation is something most of us do every day at work, at home, everywhere. In the text "Getting To Yes" by Roger Fisher and William Ury they describe the 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 establishing an agreement; and 4) insist that the agreement be based on objective criteria. [p.11] Each of these principles should be examined during 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 react or handle the situation. The last stage is the part of the discussion where a solution to the problem is explored 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 form relationships or become personally involved in problems and often interpret 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 point of view. Emotions also play an important role in irrational arguments, which ultimately lead nowhere. Focusing on interests is the second principle of the book and talks about the interests of the parties and not so much about their positions. As Fisher and Ury explain, "Your position is something you have decided about. Your interests are what led you to decide this way."[p. 42] When people focus only on the position they are taking and not on their underlying interests, it is possible to focus too much on arguing rather than reaching agreements. Each party usually has many different interests in their location and they may differ between individuals on each party, but overall people will share certain basic needs interests.