The RECO Worksheet
A Practical Framework for Mapping Your Realistic Exposure Before Any High-Stakes Negotiation or Dispute
By Eric C. Boughman · RECOMethod.com
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Introduction
Most negotiators go into high-stakes conversations focused on what they want to win. The RECO Method inverts that focus: before you think about your best outcome, you must be honest about your worst realistic outcome — and what it would cost.
This worksheet walks you through that process in a structured way. It works for disputes, negotiations, and major decisions. Fill it out before your next high-stakes conversation. It takes fifteen minutes. It will change how you see the situation.
Define the Situation
Describe the negotiation, dispute, or decision you are facing in one or two sentences. Be specific.
Is this a transactional negotiation (you can walk away cleanly) or an entangled conflict (walking away doesn't solve the problem)?
Your RECO — Map Your Realistic Exposure
For each dimension below, describe what the catastrophic outcome looks like if this goes badly — and estimate the realistic probability it could happen.
On a scale of 1–10, how well have you been confronting this exposure honestly? (1 = not at all / 10 = fully)
The Other Side's RECO
What does the catastrophic outcome look like for your counterpart if this dispute or negotiation goes badly?
Does your counterpart appear to be confronting their exposure honestly, or are they minimizing it?
The Cost of the Fight
The cost of a dispute is not just the final outcome. It is everything that accumulates on the way there.
Build the Strategy
Based on everything above, answer these four questions:
1. What is the zone of rational resolution?
Given your RECO and their RECO, where does a settlement or agreement make rational sense for all parties?
2. What information or framing would most help your counterpart see their exposure clearly?
3. What is the bridge — the path from where they are to where resolution makes sense?
4. What is the one thing you need to do before your next conversation to make resolution more likely?
What Comes Next
If this worksheet surfaced issues you want to work through directly, there are a few ways to go deeper:
Read Beyond Tactics
The full RECO framework, seventeen chapters, with case studies and practical drills.
Get the Book →Apply for Coaching
Work one-to-one with Eric to apply RECO to your specific situation.
Inquire About Coaching →Attend a Presentation
Eric speaks to business, legal, and professional audiences on the RECO Method.
Speaking Details →