Lessons from A 50yo. Home- 2. Negotiation
Today, we focus on how a home can promote the learning of negotiation skills. Negotiation shows up every day in our personal and professional lives and is an essential part of any joint action.
So, it stands to good reason that a home that promotes the learning of negotiation skills is a good thing, and I reckon Mum & Dad’s 50yo home was exceptional at presenting regular situations for practice
Our home’s limited amenities compared to today’s norm meant that the bathroom, good TV, and the prime spot on the couch were hot commodities.
With one bathroom, you had to negotiate time slots, especially if you wanted to shower in the morning.
Everyone wanted to watch different shows, but with one big TV, negotiation was key to working out who got to watch what and when.
Claiming the couch directly in front of the big TV required strategic negotiation and bartering. (Although my brother’s height and weight advantage often worked against my sisters and me as he plucked us off the prime spot and deposited us in another less desirable position—Rude!).
Learning to share, barter, trade, and compromise became a common part of leading to a successful resolution—Pretty cool, right? All simply from our home’s layout and inclusions/exclusions.
With the sharp increase in construction costs in recent years, the size and amenities included in our future homes will likely be reduced to counter costs. But when we consider the potential benefits for families, like the learning of invaluable negotiation skills, it can be viewed and appreciated as a positive change.
Cheaper build, more resilient family. Win-win.
Next week, we'll take a look at Lesson 3: Respect.
PS. Do you see a new custom build or reno in your future? Great! Why not come along to the September Home Build ‘Heads-Up’ program? It’s just $200+ and 4 hours of your time- Both of which you will save one-hundred-fold through your build process by having an appreciation of what makes project’s successful (while others end in horror).