BlueSky Thinking Summary

The article explores whether meditating before a negotiation actually improves outcomes, revealing that the answer depends heavily on cultural context.

While earlier studies in harmony-oriented cultures like Singapore and the UK found that mindfulness boosts cooperation and lowers anxiety, new experiments in the United States paint a different picture.

Across ten controlled negotiation scenarios—from job contracts to car deals—participants who meditated beforehand claimed less value without improving overall outcomes.

The effect was subtle but consistent, suggesting that in cultures where assertiveness and emotional signaling are part of strategic negotiation, calming oneself too much may dull competitive instincts.

The research does not dismiss meditation altogether but urges negotiators to consider its timing and purpose.

Emotional clarity is not always best served by emotional neutrality.

In settings where strength and persuasion are valued, stillness may silence more than it sharpens.

The key is knowing when mindfulness helps—and when it hinders.