How do you determine your best alternative to a negotiated agreement? First, dissect both your position and your negotiating interests. Then see the sum of these coins compared to all the alternative options available. Select the best option. Finally, do the opposite from the other side` point of view. A well-prepared negotiator looks at the big picture in this way. BATNA is often not seen by negotiators as a safety net, but as a lever in negotiations. Although a negotiator`s alternative options should theoretically be easy to assess, the attempt to understand what alternative BATNA represents for some is often not invested. Options must be real and achievable to be of value,[5][source of third party required] however, without the investment of time, often contain options that fail any of these criteria. [6] [Quote required] Most managers overestimate their BATNA while investing too little time in the search for their real options. [Third-party source required] This can lead to bad or wrong decisions and negotiations.

Negotiators must also be aware of the other negotiator`s BATNA and determine how they compare to what they offer. [7] [Page required] If BATNA is strong enough, it is possible to negotiate on very good terms, because the alternative to the start of the negotiations is still a good result. Conversely, when BATNA is weak, the negotiating position is weak, as there is no good alternative to use. Given the importance of BATNA, some steps need to be taken to achieve a better negotiating position. These steps are as follows: on the other hand, contestants may have «different images» of what BATNAs exist, which can lead to a dead end or even insolubility. For example, both parties may think that they can win a dispute if they decide to sue or force him. If BATNAs on both sides tell them they can continue and win the conflict, the likely outcome is a power struggle. If the BATNA is actually much better than the one on the other side, the side with the best BATNA will probably prevail. However, if the BATNAs are about the same, the result is much less safe.

If the conflict is costly enough, the parties may finally realize that their BATNA was not as good as they thought. The dispute will then be «ripe» again for negotiations. In the theory of negotiations, the best alternative to a negotiated agreement or BATNA (no deal option) refers to the most advantageous alternative that a party can take if negotiations fail and no agreement can be reached. WATNA (worst alternative to a negotiated agreement) is quite the opposite of this option. BATNA could include several situations, such as the suspension of negotiations, the transition to another negotiator, the appeal of the court`s judgment, the organization of strikes and the formation of other forms of alliances. [1] BATNA is the main concern and driving force of a successful negotiator. A party should generally not accept a resolution worse than its BATNA. However, it is important to ensure that transactions are accurately assessed, taking into account all considerations such as relational value, the present value of the money and the likelihood that the other party will live up to the bargain. These other considerations are often difficult to assess because they are often based on uncertain or qualitative considerations and are not easily measurable and quantifiable.