Negotiating like a Double Agent
Convince someone on the other side of the negotiation table to fight for your cause. Feed them information they can use to sway their side to agree with your opinion. Protect your double agent from running into trouble for their actions by making sure the other side doesn’t find out that you are collaborating against them.
Example
A student wishes to go to an out a state college. His parents, on the other hand, don’t share this desire. They want him to stay close to home and think an out of state college is too expensive. The student knows his parent’s work as a team, but his mom has the power to persuade his dad when she really believes in something.
While his father is gone, the student starts working on his mom. He tells her of all the benefits his college of choice offers. Even though it is expensive, he will get the best education there and have the chance to compete for the top jobs in a tough market. He also tells her that even if he goes to an in-state college a couple hours away, he will probably not have the time to visit as much she would like. He even surprises her with offers from their bank of loans he can take out to afford the college. Finally, he reminds her that he is all grown up now and she is going to have to let him go sooner or later and he is ready now.
She finally sees his point and starts suggesting to her husband that their son is ready to make his own decisions, starting with where he will get his college education. Once his dad has time to get used to the idea, he agrees and allows him to attend college out of state.
