While many remember 'Watergate' and Nixon's resignation in 1974. The greater benefit is to remember his success as a statesman: detente with Russia, opening China, ballistic missile treaties, and bold support for our great ally Israel.
In 1997, James Hume, a former speechwriter for Nixon published
Nixon's Ten Commandments of Statecraft. These great principles stood the test of governing a superpower in the early 1970's, and are still great guides for today. For over 20 years, I used them, and recommended them to my teams and friends.
While I recommend reading the book, and the related article by Thomas F. Fischer (link to article), I wanted to share the keys I took away.
- Always be respectful: This preserves the relationship required for future cooperation / negotiations.
- Be tough, but reasonable: Focus on getting everything you can without damaging the other party.
- Be prepared: Do your homework - understand the other party's motivators and drivers.
- Keep the faith: When your cause is right, stand up for it.
What principles do you use in your negotiations?
