Success ideas from 'The Prisoner's Dilemma

Just been rereading the 'The evolution of cooperation' by Robert Axelrod,





Out of many strategies for playing the game 'The Prisoners Dilemma' – which is about how people interact and negotiate, one very simple approach succeeded more any other. It was called 'Tit for Tat'. It has been tested over time, competing with many other strategies and consistently produces top or near top results.

While it was designed as an approach for the ‘prisoners dilemma’ I think there are useful reminders for anyone working towards material success – particularly when negotiating.

It has two main two rules. In any interaction with another person always start positive and then reciprocate how they behave back to you.

That is if they're positive to you be positive back, if they're negative to you be negative back. However you may choose to break a ‘spiral’ of negativity by starting the interaction again – and being positive, then still follow reciprocation rule.

In addition research from the results of the Prisoners Dilemma showed

The chances of cooperation are increased if:

The participants have an interest in working together in the future
Participants have a lot to loose if they don’t work together
There is a ‘caring’ culture
Reciprocity is taught – In this case reciprocity to both helpful and unhelpful behaviour
People recognise and respond quickly – and people are aware and don’t fudge it. If you partner does something unhelpful, react!

However participants generally encourage each other to cooperate

The chances of cooperation are reduced if:

(Which leads to some suggested don’ts)

Don’t be envious – you won’t start positive and reciprocate positive behaviour
Don’t be the first to be unhelpful – you could start an ’unhelpfulness’ spiral
Don’t be too clever – people won’t understand you

Michael
PPI Business NLP
01908 506563