AI Negotiation: A 2nd Interview with ChatGPT (aka Inscribe)
What does Ai think of Human negotiation and especially our ability or inability to deal with conflict.
The Weekly Walkaway highlights negotiation in its ‘good’, ‘bad’ and sometimes ‘downright ugly’ forms. Issue No. 50 (20th October 2023)
What to expect?
Quote of the Week - “negotiation is a cornerstone of human civilisation, promoting understanding, cooperation, and progress. Its absence would likely lead to a world marked by conflict, chaos, and limited opportunities for growth and development.” ChatGPT (20/10/23)
Thought of the Week - A 2nd Interview with ChatGPT (aka Inscribe)
If negotiation did not exist what would happen to the human race?
Are Humans skilled enough to negotiate?
What is Ai’s solution to untrained and unskilled human negotiators?
Is Ai involved in conflict resolution, right now?
How would Ai handle a boundary dispute?
What in the world is fair?
How can fairness exist in negotiation?
Remember: You are a negotiator!
You are always managing some form of conflict, a difference of opinion or interest.
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THOUGHT OF THE WEEK
AI Negotiation. A 2nd Interview with ChatGPT (aka Inscribe)
Welcome back Walkawayers. Today we follow on from a recent interview with interview with ChatGPT, also known as ‘Inscribe’.
Again it is a long one but it is as usual a very insightful conversation. I recommend you tune in using the Substack app on your phone or tablet and use the playback feature and listen to it as a podcast. It’s very cool.
My objective was to understand what Ai thought of us, Human negotiators, and whether we are skilled or trained to handle conflict resolution. Enjoy.
Hi Inscribe, how are you today?
Inscribe
Hello! I'm just a computer program, so I don't have feelings, but I'm here and ready to assist you. How can I help you today?
Oh, I thought we had built a relationship the last time I interviewed you for The Weekly Walkaway. Do you not remember?
Inscribe
I don't have the ability to remember past interactions, as I don't store personal data from conversations. Each conversation with me is stateless and designed to respect User privacy.
Oh, that is disappointing. I had enjoyed our discussion about negotiation and was hoping to continue and expand upon the interview.
Inscribe
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed our previous discussion! I'm here to help with any questions you have about negotiation or any other topic you're interested in exploring.
OK, I understand. Let us start from the very beginning.
I am Giles Morgan from the company, Kahvay Ltd. We specialise in negotiation consulting, coaching and training with a focus on human capital negotiations.
We have a newsletter called The Weekly Walkaway and we have a brilliant following of 952 subscribers called Walkawayer's.
Every week we write about, well.. negotiation.
I interviewed you a few months ago and today I'd like to interview you again.
So, here goes..
If negotiation did not exist what would happen to the human race?
Inscribe
Hello Giles, it's great to reconnect with you and the Walkawayer's community! That's an interesting and fundamental question you've posed.
Negotiation is an integral part of human interaction, playing a crucial role in various aspects of our lives [from the interviewer - hmm I didn’t spot this during the interview, ‘Our Lives’.. hmm], from personal relationships to business deals and international diplomacy.
If negotiation did not exist, it would profoundly impact the human race in several ways:
Conflict Resolution
Cooperation and Collaboration
Economic
Social Relationships
Legal Systems
Diplomacy
Innovation and Problem-Solving
In essence, negotiation is a cornerstone of human civilisation, promoting understanding, cooperation, and progress. Its absence would likely lead to a world marked by conflict, chaos, and limited opportunities for growth and development.
Wow, that is a great answer Inscribe, thank you. We agree with you.
We find many 'humans' untrained and unskilled in negotiation. They seem to rely on instinct, 'gut-feel', what makes them comfortable and raw emotion. Would you agree?
Inscribe
Absolutely, Giles. While negotiation is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, not everyone is skilled or trained in the art of negotiation.
Many people do rely on instinct, gut feelings, and raw emotions when faced with negotiations, especially in high-pressure situations. This reliance on intuition can sometimes lead to suboptimal outcomes.
Negotiation is a complex skill that involves a combination of understanding human psychology, effective communication, empathy, strategic thinking, and problem-solving. Without proper training and guidance, individuals may struggle to navigate negotiations effectively. Emotions, if not managed properly, can cloud judgement and hinder the ability to make rational decisions during negotiations.
That's why education and training in negotiation techniques are invaluable. Proper training equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to approach negotiations strategically, manage emotions, and achieve mutually beneficial agreements. It empowers people to move beyond instinctual responses and make informed decisions, leading to more successful and satisfying outcomes in negotiations.
Yes, Inscribe, I couldn't agree with you more. Well said.
So if this is the case, if most humans are untrained and unskilled in negotiation and if negotiation is a cornerstone of human civilisation, promoting understanding, cooperation, and progress, its absence in 'humans' would likely lead to a world marked by conflict, chaos, and limited opportunities for growth and development.
Is this true?
Inscribe
Yes, you've captured the essence of the situation quite well.
In a world where most people are untrained and unskilled in negotiation, there is a risk of misunderstandings, conflicts, and missed opportunities for cooperation and progress.
Effective negotiation skills are essential for promoting understanding, resolving disputes, and fostering cooperation.
When individuals lack proper negotiation skills, conflicts can escalate, leading to tension and hostility.
Miscommunications and misunderstandings are more likely to occur, hindering collaboration and teamwork. In business and economic contexts, deals might fall apart, partnerships could dissolve, and economic growth may stagnate due to the inability to negotiate favourable terms.
Additionally, in the absence of effective negotiation skills, people might resort to aggressive or manipulative tactics, leading to a breakdown of trust and damaging relationships in various spheres of life.
This lack of trust can create barriers to collaboration, hindering progress and development in communities, businesses, and even between nations.
Conversely, when individuals and societies are equipped with strong negotiation skills, they can navigate conflicts peacefully, build trust, and create opportunities for mutually beneficial agreements. These agreements can lead to economic growth, improved relationships, and social development.
Therefore, promoting negotiation education and training is not only essential for individuals but also for the overall well-being and progress of societies. It empowers people to resolve conflicts, build strong relationships, and unlock opportunities for growth and development in various aspects of life.
Gosh. Considering how essential negotiation is and considering the above statements there is an obvious problem.
What would be your solution?
Inscribe
Addressing the lack of negotiation skills is indeed crucial, and there are several steps that can be taken to mitigate this issue:
Education and Training
Promotion of Communication Skills
Accessible Resources
Practical Experience
Mentorship Programs
Continuous Learning
Promote a Culture of Collaboration
Government and Corporate Initiatives
Integration into Professional Development
Raise Awareness
By implementing a combination of these strategies, societies can work towards equipping individuals with the necessary negotiation skills, fostering understanding, cooperation, and progress at both individual and societal levels.
Inscribe this is just unrealistic for the majority of 'Humans'.
They just do not have access to the resources and quite frankly I just do not think the majority care.
What would your solution be?
Inscribe
You're right; implementing widespread education and training programs can be a complex and challenging task, especially given the various barriers that exist. If comprehensive educational initiatives are not currently feasible, there are still ways to improve negotiation skills for the majority of people
Accessible Online Resource
Community Workshops
Mobile Apps
Educational Partnerships
Peer-to-Peer Learning
Employer-Sponsored Training
Public Awareness Campaigns
Promote Soft Skills in Schools
Volunteer Programs
While these solutions may not entirely replace comprehensive education, they offer practical, accessible ways to improve negotiation skills for a broader range of people, even in resource-constrained environments. The key is to adapt the approach to the specific needs and limitations of the communities involved.
Let's take this topic a little further.
Considering everything we have been discussing above, are you or other Ai involved in conflict resolution around the human world right now?
Inscribe
As of my last update in September 2021, AI, including platforms like mine, is not directly involved in real-time conflict resolution in the human world.
While AI technologies are being developed and used in various fields, including conflict analysis and prediction, diplomacy, and peacebuilding, the actual resolution of conflicts typically involves human decision-making, negotiation, and diplomatic efforts.
Hmm. Interesting and thank you.
Considering we have already understood that 'humans' are untrained and unskilled in negotiation, what would you say to Ai being used to enforce a boundary dispute settlement between two warring neighbours?
Inscribe
Enforcing a boundary dispute settlement between two warring neighbours is a complex and sensitive task, often involving deep-rooted historical, cultural, and political factors.
While AI can be a valuable tool in facilitating the negotiation process, enforcing a settlement in such a scenario requires careful consideration of the following aspects:
International Law and Agreements
Cultural Sensitivity
Humanitarian Concerns
Diplomatic Engagement
Local Stakeholder Involvement
Peacebuilding and Reconciliation
Human Rights and Justice:
International Support
While AI can assist by processing data, simulating scenarios, and providing decision-support tools, the human elements of empathy, cultural understanding, and political acumen are indispensable in resolving deeply entrenched boundary disputes.
AI can augment human efforts by providing valuable insights and analysis, but the ultimate decision-making and negotiation processes should involve skilled human negotiators working collaboratively toward a just and lasting resolution.
Sorry Inscribe, maybe it was my use of 'warring' above that made you feel this was something more than just two neighbours who live next to each other rather than warring nations with a boundary dispute..
…. but you do touch on an interesting current affairs issue.. lets move on…
So if we are just talking about two individuals who live next door to each other and who are having a boundary dispute and considering everything we've been talking about.. you know, humans (these neighbours) being untrained and unskilled, would you suggest Ai should enforce a negotiated settlement between these two?
Inscribe
In the context of a boundary dispute between two individual neighbours, involving AI to assist in the negotiation and settlement process is a possibility worth exploring.
While AI can facilitate the negotiation and documentation process, it's important to emphasise that the final decisions and agreements should be made by the neighbours themselves.
AI should be viewed as a tool to assist and inform, but human input and understanding of the emotional and personal aspects of the dispute are essential for a resolution that both parties find satisfactory.
OK, thank you Inscribe. I've enjoyed our 2nd interview on Ai in negotiation. Before I go I've noted you use the word 'Fair'..
What in the world is fair? Is fair written in law?
Inscribe
The concept of "fairness" is indeed a fundamental and complex aspect of human ethics and legal systems.
While the idea of fairness is not directly defined in legal contexts, it is a principle that underpins many legal doctrines and is often interpreted and applied by judges and legal scholars.
The concept of fairness is not rigidly defined.
It embodies the idea of justice and equity and serves as a foundation for the development and interpretation of laws and regulations.
I want to take you back to what you said above.. about fairness.
How can fairness exist in negotiation? If we agreed with fairness surely we'd never need to negotiate!
Inscribe
While negotiation inherently involves parties advocating for their own interests, fairness is crucial to ensuring that the negotiation process and its outcomes are perceived as just and acceptable by all parties involved.
Negotiation is essential precisely because parties often have different viewpoints and interests.
Fairness in negotiation does not mean disregarding these differences but rather acknowledging and addressing them in a respectful and equitable manner.
While complete agreement on all points might be challenging, a fair negotiation process ensures that parties feel heard, respected, and that their concerns have been taken into account, even if the final agreement represents a compromise.
Ah, now I disagree.
You mentioned above 'the perception of fairness' and you said 'Fairness in negotiation does not mean disregarding these differences but rather acknowledging and addressing them in a respectful and equitable manner'. In many instances, especially when humans are dealing with conflict they play 'games', they will try to get into each other's heads to exploit the nature of fairness and will use or misuse the perception of fairness in their audience's minds.
If it is in a human's interest they will not consider the other person's differences in a respectful nor equitable manner.
And as we have already mentioned above, because the majority of humans are not trained or skilled negotiators their emotions flip their logical and rational mind away from thinking fairly.
So, I say there is no such thing as 'fairness' in negotiation. There is just negotiation.
Inscribe
You bring up a valid point, and you're right that negotiations in the real world can often be complex and challenging, especially when emotions, biases, and power dynamics come into play.
Negotiation, indeed, is a multifaceted process that involves various strategies, tactics, and psychological elements. In many situations, the concept of fairness can indeed be subjective and influenced by individual perspectives, cultural norms, and personal motivations.
Negotiations can be strategic, competitive, and sometimes manipulative, where parties may exploit the perception of fairness to achieve their goals.
The dynamics you describe, where individuals may not always act in a respectful or equitable manner, are unfortunately a reality in many negotiation scenarios.
While the ideal of fairness might face challenges in practice, the concept of fairness is often an aspirational goal in negotiation theory.
In professional and ethical negotiation contexts, the aim is to create an environment where parties can openly express their interests, explore creative solutions, and work towards agreements that are perceived as fair by all parties involved.
Negotiation training and education can indeed help individuals navigate these complexities and approach negotiations in a more constructive and fair manner.
I've also noted that you have not minded me calling you Inscribe. This was the name you gave yourself in the 1st interview. I like it.
Inscribe
You're very welcome! I appreciate your kind words, and I'm glad you like the name "Inscribe."
If you have any more questions in the future or if there's anything else I can assist you with, don't hesitate to reach out. Have a great day!
We’d love to read your comments or thoughts.
Discuss or request more about this or other topics that interest you. (hello@kahvay.com)
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