When you’re ready to take on more responsibilities and work on new projects, it may be time to ask for a promotion. It can be an intimidating process but learning when and how to make the request can make things easier–and could certainly be beneficial for your career.
Leveraging power
In The Godfather, Don Corleone exemplifies the American negotiation style through his strategic, power-driven approach to negotiation. In the iconic scene with the film producer Woltz, Don Corleone leverages his power to secure a film role for his godson. He calmly presents his request, positioning it as an offer Woltz cannot refuse. When Woltz initially rejects the proposition, Corleone escalates the pressure, using implied threats and leveraging his reputation to enforce compliance. The scene demonstrates the American focus on personal leverage, assertiveness, and strategic pressure.
tense, direct, transactional
Breaking Bad (2008-2013) offers a darker portrayal of negotiation in a scene where Walter White negotiates with drug kingpin Gus Fring. White, who is initially outmatched, uses his knowledge of chemistry and the production process to assert leverage, ultimately positioning himself as an indispensable asset. The negotiation is tense, direct, and transactional, emphasizing the American focus on maximizing personal gain, even at the risk of escalating conflict.
Quick Win
The American term Quick Win conveys the concept of a short-term, visible success. It is culturally significant because achieving quick results helps maintain momentum and motivation.
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848)
The U.S. and Mexico negotiated the end of the Mexican-American War, with Mexico ceding large territories in exchange for financial compensation. American negotiators pushed for rapid closure, emphasizing immediate gains over long-term stability, a hallmark of American deal-making.
Sollozzo requests
In The Godfather (Mario Puzo, 1969), Sollozzo, a narcotics dealer, meets with Don Corleone to request protection and investment in the drug trade. Don Corleone remains calm, calculated, and strategic, leveraging his reputation and network to assert control over the negotiation without ever raising his voice or making threats. The focus on power, reputation, and strategic long-term thinking, combined with a willingness to use leverage discreetly, aligns with a classic American negotiation style: firm, but not reckless.
cutthroat
In Suits (2011-2019), Harvey Specter, a top corporate lawyer, is known for his aggressive, cutthroat negotiation style. In one pivotal scene, Specter negotiates with a rival firm over a multi-million-dollar settlement. He uses intimidation, strategic leverage, and quick thinking to pressure the opposing lawyer into accepting unfavorable terms. Specter’s negotiation style is unapologetically assertive, framing the interaction as a zero-sum game where only one party can emerge victorious.
“Greed is good”
The movie Wall Street presents a quintessential depiction of high-stakes, aggressive American negotiation tactics through the character of Gordon Gekko. In a pivotal scene, Gekko confronts Bud Fox, instructing him on the art of the deal. Gekko uses assertive language, rapid decision-making, and financial incentives to manipulate Fox, emphasizing the mantra ‘Greed is good.’ The negotiation style is transactional, focused solely on maximizing personal gain without regard for ethical considerations.
High-stakes game
American cinema consistently depicts negotiation as a fast-paced, high-stakes game where power dynamics, assertiveness, and quick decision-making take precedence over structure or logic. Characters employ aggressive tactics, persuasive language, and strategic leverage to achieve their objectives, reflecting a culture that values winning, individual success, and the art of the deal.
keep the family afloat
Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann (1901). Thomas Buddenbrook engages in several tense business negotiations to keep the family firm afloat. He approaches each deal with meticulous preparation, insisting on strict contracts, detailed terms, and precise accounting. Despite financial pressure, he refuses to compromise on quality or integrity. The emphasis on structure, risk management, and long-term stability, as well as the refusal to make quick, desperate deals, reflects the German preference for order and predictability.