A Parable

[phildonnia]

Joe and Moe are arguing over how to share a cake. Joe thinks they should share it equally, and Moe thinks he should take the entire thing.

A responsible adult steps in. "You two need to learn to compromise. Moe can have three-fourths, and Joe can have one-fourth."

Now Joe believes that his feelings should be considered, whereas Moe takes the contrary position. Yet the responsible adult was entirely in Joe's camp by considering Joe's opinion. Moe protests that the responsible adult is biased towards Joe's position.

"You're right, I should lead by example and compromise as well. Moe can have seven-eighths of the cake."

 

[Mycroft]

Something every professional negotiator knows is you don't start by asking for what you want or what you think is fair. You ask for the world, then you negotiate down.

 

[Crossbow]

Or you could try negotiating in the style of 'Itchy & Scratchy'.

Where Joe throws Moe into a vat of acid,
then Joe proceeds to eat all of the cake.