Training Diplomats to Apply Behavioural Science in Negotiations
We partnered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to design and deliver a bespoke behavioural-science training programme for diplomatic teams. The organisation sought support to integrate behavioural insights into strategic communication, influence, and negotiation in complex international contexts.
The Challenge
Diplomats often operate in high-stakes environments where small shifts in communication, framing and interpersonal dynamics can significantly influence outcomes. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) wanted to build internal capability in understanding behavioural mechanisms relevant to diplomacy and to strengthen how teams prepare for, approach and evaluate negotiations. They required a tailored programme that aligned behavioural science with the realities of foreign policy and international engagement.
Our Approach
We developed a week-long training programme grounded in core mechanisms of influence, decision-making and communication. The training combined accessible evidence with practical tools, scenario-based exercises and reflective discussion. Each session was shaped around real diplomatic challenges, ensuring relevance while maintaining confidentiality. Alongside the training, we designed behaviourally informed frameworks that teams could apply to planning, conducting and reviewing strategic interactions.
Solution Delivered
The final programme blended behavioural theory with applied diplomatic practice. Participants were introduced to mechanisms shaping judgement, rapport, persuasion and resistance, and explored how these could support more effective communication and negotiation. The training also incorporated practical templates and behavioural checklists to help teams embed insights into future work.
Impact
The FCDO strengthened its internal capability to use behavioural science across strategic communication and negotiations. The programme improved teams’ confidence in applying behavioural insights, supported more deliberate preparation for high-stakes discussions, and offered a repeatable framework that can be integrated into future diplomatic training and strategy development.