After over a decade in executive roles and advisory positions for small businesses, I found myself frequently engaged in daily negotiations across cultures and regions. Despite my experience, I realised my approach to negotiation was largely intuitive, making it difficult to judge the effectiveness of my efforts. This realisation prompted me to seek a comprehensive programme that blends theory and practical exercises, allowing for a lively exchange with excellent faculty and experienced peers while fostering a lasting community for future exchanges.
After I realised the need for a structured approach
The Oxford Programme on Negotiation stood out to me, offering not just these elements but also a promise of diverse perspectives and peer learning at one of the world's most renowned institutions. The programme exceeded my expectations, providing a robust framework for preparing and evaluating negotiations. It covered a wide range of topics, including intercultural differences, value creation, conflict management, persuasion, trust, ethics and behavioural biases. These subjects were enriched by multiple negotiation simulations ranging from one-on-one to complex multi-party scenarios, allowing us to practice and test various negotiation styles in a safe environment.
Intensive learning experience
The programme is intensive, beginning on a Sunday and running through until Friday, with some assignments to complete beforehand and during the week. Despite the rigorous schedule, there was ample time to socialise and network with participants, speakers and faculty during breaks, meals, and evening activities. The interplay of assignments, lectures and simulations built a cohesive learning experience. The faculty linked theoretical concepts to real-world applications, sharing their vast practical experience in negotiation. Guest speakers provided fascinating insights from diverse fields, including Formula 1 team owners, hostage negotiators and high-level diplomats, with contributions from notable figures such as Baroness Cathy Ashton, former Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Enriching perspectives from diverse participants
The diverse perspectives of my fellow participants were particularly enriching. Our group included 19 nationalities from all continents, with high-profile professionals ranging from entrepreneurs to lawyers to government officials. This diversity added depth to our discussions and case studies, providing an even richer learning environment.
Personalised tutoring and feedback
Individual and group tutoring sessions further amplified the learning experience. Tutors offered immediate feedback and tailored advice based on their observations, helping me reflect on and refine my negotiation styles, tactics and behaviours. This feedback was invaluable in identifying and addressing personal biases, enhancing my learning curve and effectiveness.
Exploring Oxford and its traditions
Beyond the curriculum, the programme offered opportunities to explore the city of Oxford and its university. A walking tour on Sunday provided a glimpse into Oxford's history and traditions. Throughout the week, dinners were hosted at the business school and various colleges, including a memorable evening at Balliol College. These experiences allowed us to immerse ourselves in the college atmosphere, engaging in meaningful discussions while enjoying excellent meals. On nights without scheduled dinners, our group explored Oxford's traditional restaurants, pubs and bars, further strengthening our connections.
Outcomes and personal growth
Completing the programme has made me a more conscious and reflective negotiator and leader. It equipped me with a framework for preparing and assessing negotiations, enabling continuous improvement in my skills. Personally, I gained insights into my biases and their impact on my professional and personal interactions. This self-awareness will help me engage more effectively with negotiation partners, teams, and organisations, and make informed decisions about the capabilities and team structures needed for successful negotiations.
A worthwhile challenge
Balancing the demands of the intensive programme with personal and professional commitment was challenging, but the experience was immensely rewarding. I recommend fully immersing oneself in the programme to gain the most from it, despite any external commitments.
If you are seeking a comprehensive negotiation programme combined with an enriching experience at one of the world's most prestigious universities, I wholeheartedly recommend the Oxford Programme on Negotiation. It has significantly sharpened my negotiation skills, expanded my network and increased my self-awareness in professional interactions and leadership.
