Secrets From a Hill Staffer: Bipartisan Negotiations

Having spent several years working on Capitol Hill for a highly engaged Member of Congress who was not hesitant to collaborate across the aisle, I wanted to offer some insights on bipartisan negotiations that I have acquired and applied in my work. These are my personal thoughts and are not influenced by any Member of Congress. Tips are intended for individual negotiations, as there are various other factors to take into account when dealing with larger negotiations.

Incremental change is change.

I'll say it again for the folks in the back, incremental change is change! Don't misunderstand me, I love a good systems overhaul and reforming entire systems as much as the next guy. But my point is that, in the absence of great reform, let's not believe that nothing can be changed. While members often share the same basic views on issues, finding a solution can be challenging. Begin negotiations by focusing on shared interests. Allow the other party to suggest their preferred resolution. Reflect on the following questions and consider taking small, consistent steps that can result in significant progress in the long run.

· Which parts of their solution do you find acceptable?

· Which parts of your solution are firm and which ones can be discussed later?

Compromise does not mean harm.

Dealing with this issue can be challenging since, in reality, political parties frequently have conflicting views on what constitutes harm. Therefore, it is crucial to define this concept before entering into negotiations. Engaging in practices like robbing Peter to pay Paul or enhancing civil liberties for one group while compromising those of another will ultimately lead to poor policymaking. Although current congressional procedures may suggest that this is the essence of compromise, I strongly oppose this notion. Adhering to a "Do No Harm" principle should not be seen as a negotiating strategy.

Language is important.

For individuals deeply involved in political activities, it is common to exist within a comfortable political echo chamber. Humans naturally gravitate towards like-minded individuals for a sense of community. Nonetheless, effective communication is crucial in political discussions and can significantly impact the outcome of negotiations. Different political groups have their own set of key terms and subjects that carry significant political connotations. It is beneficial to understand how the opposing side addresses these topics and be ready to communicate using similar language when appropriate. This approach does not entail compromising one's principles for the sake of reaching an agreement, but rather involves engaging with others on their terms. My social work background teaches me to "Meet people where they are."

Know your audience.

When negotiating for an elected official, it's crucial to recognize that their primary duty is to their constituents. In each case, the compromise should address the question for each official, "Why is this important to me?" Be ready to provide a couple of concrete reasons why you think the other party should participate. Although this isn't your responsibility, it can significantly help advance the negotiations.