Kittens in the Box

I always like to remember the image of a kitten in a box when I get smug about the status of any ongoing negotiation.

Why? Because there is no such thing as certainty. You may believe you have it all sewed up but many plans are derailed at the final stages.

The worst thing you can do is assume. If you have bullied or coerced the person into the result you want, try to remember that the more powerfully you have forced their hand, the more determined they will be to find another way out.