Tactic Group: Personal

Explanation

These attacks aim at the person negotiating.

Analysis

Attacks on your ability, background, race, gender, national origin…A primitive and potentially emotionally charged situation.

Solution

Focus on needs, disregard personal attacks, call it out to shut it down. If abusive, consider escalation to other forum or authority or walking out.

Examples

Why are you here? This is for parents of students who go to Small Town Elementary. Parry: “I am taxpayer; education is important to our society; so personal attacks are inappropriate, the issue is not me, it is the impending strike and what that means to our society.”