Two Chefs, One Orange

Carlos Alberto da Conceição Araújo

Once upon a time, there were two chefs, one Portuguese and one Angolan, who were working together at a major culinary event in Luanda. They were preparing a special recipe that required a crucial ingredient: an orange.

The Portuguese chef said, "I need this orange to make an orange sauce for my main dish." The Angolan chef replied, "I also need this orange to use as the main ingredient in my orange cake."

The two chefs started to argue, each claiming that their recipe was more important than the other's. They found themselves in a difficult situation, not knowing how to resolve the issue. Until they decided to cut the orange in half, so each could have one half of the orange. And so they did. They cut the orange in half, and each got a part.

Observing closely, the kitchen assistant noticed that the Portuguese chef only used the orange peel, and the Angolan chef only used the pulp. Then, the kitchen assistant had an idea and suggested, "It seems like cutting the orange in half and sharing it was a waste. Why not divide the orange in the following way: the Portuguese chef gets all the orange peel, and the Angolan chef gets all the pulp? That way, both can make the most of the orange for their needs."

The chefs agreed that they didn't want to waste any part of the orange, as that would be harmful to the environment. So, the assistant suggested that the Portuguese chef use the orange peel for the sauce, and the Angolan chef use the orange pulp for the cake. Everyone was pleased with the solution.

This story illustrates the importance of communication in negotiation. It is crucial to ask questions and respond honestly in a negotiation. It is also important to manage expectations and have an alternative plan if the negotiation fails. In the case of the chefs, they found a creative solution to the problem by understanding the reason behind each other's needs.

Furthermore, the story highlights the importance of finding a win-win solution. Instead of seeking a solution that benefits only one side, skilled negotiators aim to maximize value for both parties. This creates room for future business and lasting relationships.

In summary, the story of the two chefs and the orange demonstrates that communication, creativity, and the pursuit of win-win solutions are crucial for negotiation success.

Applying the Story in Our Daily Lives

We can apply this concept in various negotiation situations, whether in a business or personal setting. Instead of solely pursuing our own benefit, it is important to understand the other person's perspective and find ways to maximize value for both parties. This can lead to more satisfactory agreements and longer-lasting relationships. Additionally, clear and honest communication is crucial to ensure that both parties are on the same page during the negotiation.

Carlos Alberto da Conceição Araújo

Luanda, Angola

March 14, 2023