The Dreaded Bottom Line: Coaching Clients Through Their BATNA and WATNA

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Most bottom lines are generated out of fear and uncertainty.  Clients feel that their well being, identity, status, financial security and more are being threatened in divorce. Today we're talking about helping our clients explore options that meet their core interests while still allowing for flexibility and collaboration - and that means understanding their BATNA and WATNA.

Bottom lines in divorce are not all inherently bad. Sometimes they can play an important role in establishing boundaries or insuring safety during the divorce process. However, when this positional thinking keeps clients in a state of inflexibility and conflict ... it can increase costs, extend time to settlement, impact future relationships (co-parenting), and negatively impact children.

BATNA stands for "Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement." In the context of divorce, BATNA refers to the course of action a person can take if they are unable to reach an agreement with their spouse through negotiation or mediation. It is essentially the fallback option or the next best option available to a person if the divorce settlement or terms cannot be agreed upon. WATNA stands for “Worst Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.”

In essence, the better your client’s alternatives are, the more they may push for a more favorable settlement. The worse their alternatives, the more accommodating they may be in the settlement negotiations.

Listen in as Tracy and Debra review the 5 steps you can use to support a client in negotiation:

1. Identify alternatives
2. Evaluate alternatives
3. Assess the BATNA
4. Assess the WATNA
5. Negotiate from a position of strength

Your client's BATNA and WATNA serve as guiding principles to help them make informed, intentional decisions and have a backup plan in the event that negotiations break down.


You can learn more about DCA™ or find out about any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:

Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/divorce-coaches-academy
Email: DCA@divorcecoachesacademy.com

Learn more about DCA® or any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:

Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: @divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: divorce-coaches-academy
Email: DCA@divorcecoachesacademy.com