Effective Cross-cultural Negotiating 

The Swan, the crab and the pike

by I. Krylov 

BACKGROUND:

A Swan, a  Sand-crab and a Pike one day

 Made up their minds to pull a cart of hay

When all three had been harnessed up,

The Swan said: "Start!"

They laboured mightly, but couldn't budge the cart.

Why not? It was a light load, and not awkward.

CLARIFYING POSITIONS:

The Swam kept trying to fly

The Pike, finding dry land a bit too dry, flopped toward a pond nearby

The Crab went backward

MANAGING CONFLICT/ PROBLEM:

 Who was right  and who was wrong in this affair,

I don't know... The cart's still there

TASK:

 Describe what you would do. Provide an analysis of your options. Discuss the rationale for your choice.