Start by openly acknowledging the conflicting expectations and encourage both sides to express their core interests. Focus on shared goals and explore creative solutions that address the key concerns of both parties, aiming for compromises that benefit both sides while maintaining a collaborative tone.

Start by getting both sides to clearly outline their expectations. Conflicts often come from assumptions. Find the common ground—what does everyone agree on? Focus on that first. Then, address the differences by offering compromises that still meet the core needs of both parties. Encourage transparency. If something isn’t working, it’s better to talk about it openly than to push ahead. Bridging the gap means balancing give and take, but without losing sight of your key objectives.

We have to start by opening up and stating clearly what our goals are. I also ask the vendor to share their goals. This helps both sides understand what’s really important. Next, we try to find common ground by focusing on what matters most to each side. If we can compromise on smaller issues while sticking to the big things that are essential, we can often bridge the gap. But, if the vendor won’t agree on those critical terms, it might be best to walk away from the deal. Not every contract is meant to happen.

Bridge the gap by encouraging open communication and understanding both sides' key concerns. Focus on shared interests and propose compromises that address both parties’ priorities. Stay solution-oriented and explore creative alternatives to meet mutual goals.

If the point of contention is regarding the expectations, 1. it is important for each team of the negotiation to state their goals they want to achieve and ensure that every team understands every detail of the goals Understanding the goals of the team clearly will help each member know what to and not to compromise upon. 2. It might be helpful to open up and state in plain terms to the counter party, what your teamts goals are and vice versa This will help each team to know how to construct negotiations 3. There are some terms that are fundamental in executing the goals of a party to the contract, if the counter party is not forthcoming in accepting those fundamental terms, it would be better to withdraw from making such a contract