COMMUNICATIONDays to result

Measuring the Pie

Measure the pie correctly

Problem it solves

poor communication

Best for

Business negotiations, partnership agreements

Not ideal for

Simple, low-stakes negotiations

Overview

Why this framework exists

Measuring the pie correctly is crucial in negotiations, as it determines the value created by reaching an agreement. The pie is measured by the difference between the value created by reaching an agreement and the value created by not reaching an agreement.

Core principles

3 total
  1. The pie is measured by the difference between the value created by reaching an agreement and the value created by not reaching an agreement.
  2. The best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA) determines the value created by not reaching an agreement.
  3. Measuring the pie correctly is crucial in negotiations.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Determine the BATNA for each side
    Calculate the best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA) for each side, including any outside income possibilities or alternative options.
    Pro tipConsider the time value of money and the potential consequences of delayed agreement.
    WarningFailing to accurately determine the BATNA can lead to an unfavorable negotiation outcome.
  2. Measure the pie
    Use the BATNA to measure the pie, determining the value created by reaching an agreement and the value created by not reaching an agreement.
    Pro tipBe prepared to negotiate and make concessions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
    WarningFailing to measure the pie correctly can lead to an unfair or unfavorable negotiation outcome.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

1 cases
Business negotiation

In a business negotiation, the BATNA for each side is $100,000. Using the BATNA to measure the pie, the value created by reaching an agreement is $200,000, while the value created by not reaching an agreement is $150,000. The pie is measured as $50,000.

OutcomeThe parties would likely negotiate to reach an agreement, with the pie being split based on their relative BATNAs.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Failing to determine the BATNA
Not accurately determining the BATNA can lead to an unfavorable negotiation outcome.
Not measuring the pie correctly
Failing to measure the pie correctly can lead to an unfair or unfavorable negotiation outcome.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of measuring the pie correctly is rooted in game theory and has been applied to various real-world scenarios, including business negotiations and partnership agreements. The idea is that the pie is measured by the difference between the value created by reaching an agreement and the value created by not reaching an agreement.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
Dixit, Avinash K. · 2008
Open source →