What is the 80 20 rule in negotiation?

Asked by: Henri Kris I  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Most people succeed or fail in a negotiation based on how well-prepared they are (or are not!). We adhere to the 80/20 rule – 80% of negotiation is preparation and 20% is the actual negotiation with the other party.

What is the 80/20 rule in simple terms?

The Pareto principle states that for many outcomes, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of causes. In other words, a small percentage of causes have an outsized effect. This concept is important to understand because it can help you identify which initiatives to prioritize so you can make the most impact.

What is the 80 20 rule strategy?

The 80-20 rule is a principle that states 80% of all outcomes are derived from 20% of causes. It's used to determine the factors (typically, in a business situation) that are most responsible for success and then focus on them to improve results.

What is the 70 30 rule in negotiation?

Follow the 70/30 Rule – listen 70 percent of the time, and talk only 30 percent of the time. Encourage the other negotiator to talk by asking lots of open-ended questions – questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

What is the golden rule of negotiation?

The first Golden Rule is essential to success in any negotiation: Information Is Power—So Get It! It's critical to ask questions and get as much relevant information as you can throughout the negotiation process. You need sufficient information to set aggressive, realistic goals and to evaluate the other side's goals.

Pareto Principle [The 80/20 Rule Explained]

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What are the 3 C's of negotiation?

There are three major strategies for negotiating: compromising, competing and collaborating. Compromise is a must when you are in a relationship where you truly value equality in the outcome, a sort of “split-the-difference” approach where nobody wins- but nobody loses either.

What are the 4 C's of negotiation?

The 4 C negotiation strategy is an approach that aims to create a solid and lasting customer relationship while maximizing the results of a commercial negotiation. This method is based on four essential pillars to conduct an effective negotiation: Contact, Know, Convince, Conclude.

What is the 3 second rule in negotiation?

The best tool to use is the 3 second rule. The Journal of Applied Psychology showed that sitting silently for at least 3 seconds during a difficult time negotiation or conversation leads to better outcomes. Embrace silence as your stealth strategy.

What is the #1 rule of salary negotiation?

In the intricate dance of career progression, salary negotiation stands as a pivotal moment, shaping your financial future and professional trajectory. Amidst the myriad of advice circulating the web, one rule emerges as the lodestar guiding successful negotiations: Know Your Worth and Articulate It Confidently.

What are the 4 rules of negotiating?

The 4 Golden Rules Of Negotiating
  • Golden Rule #1: Never Sell.
  • Golden Rule #2: Build Trust.
  • Golden Rule #3: Come from a Position of Strength.
  • Golden Rule #4: Know When to Walk Away.

What is the 80 20 rule in leadership?

Known as the Pareto Principle, this rule explains that 20 percent of your activities will account for 80 percent of your results. That being the case, leaders should change the way they set goals forever if they want to transform their teams and performance.

What does 80 20 rule look like?

Just try to think of your meals in terms of balance. 80% healthy, whole foods, and 20% for fun, less-nutritious treats. The key is consistency over time, not perfection at every meal. So, if one day you have a pizza, no big deal—just aim to get back on track with your next meal.

What is the 90 10 rule?

Enter the 90/10 Principle. The 90/10 Principle was popularized by Stephen Covey, the amazing author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It states that: 10% of life is made up of what happens to you, and 90% of life is decided by how you react. We truly have no control over 10% of what happens to us.

What is the 80 20 rule easy?

This rule suggests that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. For example, 80% of a company's revenue may come from 20% of its customers, or 80% of a person's productivity may come from 20% of their work. This principle can be applied to many areas, including productivity for small business owners.

What does an 80 20 plan mean?

You have an "80/20" plan. This means your insurance company pays for 80% of your costs after you've met your deductible. You must pay for the remaining 20%.

Why is it called 80/20?

Why did they choose this name? According to 80/20, they named their company and product line after Pareto's Law (from Vilfredo Pareto (1843 – 1923)), an Italian economist and sociologist who said that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.

What not to say in salary negotiation?

"Sorry" According to Doody, "negotiating is uncomfortable, and our natural tendency is to try to smooth the edges on a difficult conversation. Saying sorry could signal to the recruiter or hiring manager that you might be willing to back down, and that could be expensive. Don't apologize for negotiating."

How to ask for a counter offer politely?

To politely counter a salary offer, use the following tips:
  1. Ask for the role's salary range and other follow-up questions.
  2. Ask for more time to consider the offer.
  3. Conduct comparative salary research.
  4. Assess your value as a candidate and form a case for your counter offer.

What is the number one rule of negotiation?

The first rule of negotiation, often touted as a foundational principle, is succinctly captured by the phrase: "Know Before You Go." In essence, this rule underscores the paramount importance of thorough preparation before entering any negotiation.

What are the 3 P's of negotiation?

The Three P's of Successful Negotiations: Preparation, Persistence, and Patience. In today's complex and competitive world, it's more important than ever to develop superior negotiation skills that foster strong relationships.

What is the cardinal rule in negotiation?

The cardinal rule of Negotiation is that it is about finding ground and fostering relationships. It's important to start by establishing a connection with the party before delving into the negotiation process.

When to use silence in a negotiation?

One of the most critical times for you to deploy silence is immediately after you have made an offer or presented your position. Often negotiators feel uncomfortable, for example, with their opening price position.

What are the 5 P's of negotiation?

But Mullett proposes a more succinct, repeatable system he's come to call the “Five P's:” prepare, probe, possibilities, propose and partner.

What is the batna strategy?

BATNA is an acronym that stands for Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. It is defined as the most advantageous alternative that a negotiating party can take if negotiations fail and an agreement cannot be made.

What are the 4 horsemen of negotiation?

In this article, we have outlined four prominent sources of power in negotiations – alternatives, information, status and social capital.