PMI Carolina Virtual Meeting - The Art of Negotiating Like a Diplomat: How to Build Agreements, Navigate Conflict, and Influence Outcomes with Strategic Poise
Power Skills
Topic:
In today's polarized world, the ability to negotiate effectively is more valuable than ever. But what if we moved beyond aggressive tactics and instead embraced the subtle, high stakes approach of diplomacy?
In this practical and insightful talk, Sherrone Blake Lobban unpacks the timeless strategies used by diplomats at global negotiating tables, taking you from the United Nations to closed-door summit, and shows how to apply them in everyday leadership, business, and policy settings. Participants will learn how to manage competing interests, build trust in tense environments, and shape outcomes without burning bridges.
Whether you are working on multi-stakeholder policy, leading a team, a project or navigating complex partnerships, this session equips you with the mindset and tools to negotiate not just for victory, but for lasting impact.
Learning Objectives:
- Start with Shared Interests, Not Fixed Positions - Learn how diplomats uncover common ground, even in polarized environments, by focusing on interests over entrenched demands.
- Master the Power of Silence and Listening - Discover how restraint, active listening, and strategic pauses can influence outcomes more than dominating the conversation
- Build Credibility Before You Need It - Understand how relationships, trust, and a reputation for fairness become your strongest assets in high-stakes negotiation.
- Use Language as a Strategic Tool - Explore diplomatic communication techniques, like reframing, soft power, and constructive ambiguity, to move conversations forward.
- Negotiate for the Long Game - Shift from short-term wins to sustainable solutions by learning how to build durable agreements that preserve relationships and open future doors.
Inputs for PDU Processor:
- Top Skills - Relationship Building, Strategic Thinking
- Highly Desirable/Market Driven Project Skills - Aligning Projects and Organizational Strategy
- Talent Triangle - Power Skills, Leadership, Innovation & Growth Mindset, Negotiation, Political Awareness.
Speaker: Sherrone Lobban
Speaker Bio:
Sherrone Blake Lobban is a former United Nations diplomat, Chief Strategy Officer, and award winning leadership strategist.
She draws from years of experience advising global leaders, leading national change initiatives, and transforming executive teams. Her unique framework, 'Lead Like a Diplomat,' teaches high-level professionals how to influence without force, stay poised under pressure, and lead with long-range vision.
Whether in the boardroom or on the global stage, Sherrone's insights bring calm clarity and bold leadership strategies to life. She is the recipient of Top 25 Women of Impact recognition and a 2025 Top 40 Over 40 Honoree.
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