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Want To Negotiate Like An Olympian God? 3 Tips Guaranteed To Help Out

Writer's picture: Scott MasonScott Mason


Negotiation is at the heart of leadership, and no one embodies this skill better than Hermes, the ultimate negotiator of the gods.


In my recent conversation with Karl Schlegel, a violinist-turned Business Development Executive for Nobody Studios, Strategy and Partnership Consultant for Renovatio Global, and explorer of the edges of human and technological possibility, we explored why Hermes’ cunning and diplomacy hold valuable lessons for leaders.


From convincing the gods not to punish him after killing a servant of Hera, Queen of Mount Olympus, to cleverly bartering for Apollo’s forgiveness after stealing his cattle, Hermes consistently demonstrated a preternatural mastery of the art of negotiation. His ability to understand the needs of both parties and craft mutually beneficial solutions (while always maintaining a sense of humor) made him indispensable in the pantheon.


In our conversation, Karl highlighted that effective negotiation is about finding common ground while staying true to your values. It’s not about winning—it’s about achieving sustainable outcomes.

Ancient Myths & the Future's Realities Collide
Ancient Myths & the Future's Realities Collide

Leadership Lessons in Negotiation from Hermes


Some tips from Karl on how to dance your way through negotiations just like Hermes on his famous winged sandals:


⚡️Know What Drives Others: Hermes understood the motivations of the gods he negotiated with. Leaders must take time to understand their counterparts’ interests and goals.


While a positive outcome is optimal, ego almost always has to be put aside to achieve it. In a sticky situation, Hermes' tactics and communications when negotiating were almost never self-centered. He always kept his negotiation partners laughing and appealed to their best interests, not what he wanted. This ensured that he never appeared exploitative, a feeling state that, once created, only takes negotiations downhill ... and creates ill will that can influence all future interactions.


⚡️Be Creative: Hermes didn’t rely on brute force or authority; he used wit and creativity to achieve his goals. Leaders should think outside the box to find innovative solutions and do everything possible to avoid even the appearance of "forcing" an outcome onto others.


⚡️Maintain Integrity: Negotiation isn’t about deceit. Like Hermes, leaders should negotiate in ways that build trust and preserve relationships.



A Leadership Negotiation Story


When I was on the executive team of a major legal organization, I was responsible for negotiating the financial and operational terms of acquiring large divisions of two other organizations.


The merger was expected to bring in millions of dollars in new revenue and increase the profile and public footprint of the organization I worked for.


The negotiations were tough, in one case, leading to occasional raised voices and financial disagreements that sometimes seemed all but irreconcilable. I didn't want to fail my organization, but this was the first acquisition of this scale that I had worked on, and sometimes felt overwhelmed.


However, the opposing negotiator always made clear that our discussions, however heated, were not personal. Even during the middle of shouting matches, he found a way to crack a joke and keep us both laughing. When feeling his organization's interests were truly under threat, he was transparent, and always open to unusual solutions. As challenging as the negotiations were, I actually found myself looking forward to our conversations, chest-beating and all.


The negotiations were successful, in large part because his attitude helped shape mine, creating a virtuous behavioral and communication circle. And I will always be grateful to have known him -- and even, to this day, chuckle about some of our "fights."


Having learned from this, as a coach, I help leaders refine their interpersonal negotiation strategies by blending empathy, strategy, and creativity. Hermes reminds us that negotiation is a skill worth mastering—not just for success, but for connection.


Taking the Next Step


Ready to sharpen your negotiation skills? Watch my full discussion with Karl Schlegel on YouTube to uncover even more Hermes-inspired strategies for modern leadership.


👉 Watch it here. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to my channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Myth_Slayer.


I want your future to be EPIC!

 

I'm Scott Mason, The Myth Slayer. I am an attorney and former C-Suite executive, coach, speaker, podcaster, and Master of the Mythic. I graduated from Columbia Law School and have spent years drawing on the full depth of a background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to provide lawyers feeling stuck or stagnant in their careers or as leaders with a unique (and fun!) system to help them live a life that's epic.


Click here to discover more about me, my mission, and how it can help you.


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