A few days ago, I had the privilege of doing the book reading of Negotiate or Stagnate, at the legendary Nilgiri Library in Ooty.

Imagine stepping into a place where the air is cool with highland breeze, being greeted by the scent of old parchment and polished wood. The walls lined with shelves that have stood the test of time, holding stories from centuries past. The light filters in through tall, narrow windows, casting a golden glow that wraps around you like an old friend. It’s a place where words carry weight.

It reminded me of a negotiation I had once, which started off rocky.

We were all in a cold, sterile boardroom, and tensions were high.
But then, by some stroke of luck, we moved to a quieter space, a small, forgotten room in the building, with worn leather chairs and a calming, timeless air.
Everything shifted!

In that room, we started to listen more, and talk less, and somehow, without force, we came to a resolution that worked for everyone.

Sitting in the Nilgiri Library brought that memory back, showing how the atmosphere can change not just the tone but the outcome of any negotiation. Sometimes, the environment teaches us more than any strategy ever could.

Have you ever felt a place guide your decisions?