Tintin,
An Unparalleled Negotiator
By Christian Morisot
It is true that Tintin is a fascinating subject of study. Michel Serres observed that the Belgian hero, drawn with simple strokes of the pen, can be likened to a mask that each of us can put on, whether young or old.
Tintin remains an emblematic hero of his time, with his share of darkness. The album *Tintin in the Congo* (1931) was notably "reissued in 2023 with a foreword explaining the colonial prejudices prevalent at the time of Hergé's first publication."
Despite this controversy, Tintin remains an icon. One facet of this character, however, is rarely discussed: his talent as a great negotiator. Throughout his adventures, this skill allows him to be likeable to the other characters in the comic strip, while still achieving his objectives.
What lessons can be learned from this? The salesperson must know themselves and possess qualities that will be useful in order to build good relationships with their clients. Based on this self-awareness, they can then choose a negotiation style that suits them best.
In fact, it appears that Tintin encountered exactly 274 negotiation situations, distributed as follows among the different styles: 131 competitive, 62 accommodating, 44 collaborative, 22 compromise, and 22 and 15 avoidance.
These results indicate that Tintin's competitive style remains predominant. Although less prevalent at the beginning of the main albums, it peaks in *The Black Island* (1938), declines until *The Calculus Affair*, and fades in subsequent albums.
It is true that Tintin is a fascinating subject of study. Michel Serres observed that the Belgian hero, drawn with simple strokes of the pen, can be likened to a mask that each of us can put on, whether young or old.
Tintin remains an emblematic hero of his time, with his share of darkness. The album *Tintin in the Congo* (1931) was notably "reissued in 2023 with a foreword explaining the colonial prejudices prevalent at the time of Hergé's first publication."
Despite this controversy, Tintin remains an icon. One facet of this character, however, is rarely discussed: his talent as a great negotiator. Throughout his adventures, this skill allows him to be likeable to the other characters in the comic strip, while still achieving his objectives.
What lessons can be learned from this? The salesperson must know themselves and possess qualities that will be useful in order to build good relationships with their clients. Based on this self-awareness, they can then choose a negotiation style that suits them best.
In fact, it appears that Tintin encountered exactly 274 negotiation situations, distributed as follows among the different styles: 131 competitive, 62 accommodating, 44 collaborative, 22 compromise, and 22 and 15 avoidance.
These results indicate that Tintin's competitive style remains predominant. Although less prevalent at the beginning of the main albums, it peaks in *The Black Island* (1938), declines until *The Calculus Affair*, and fades in subsequent albums.
In this style of negotiation, the individual uses whatever power they deem appropriate to gain an advantage. For example, in The Black Island, Tintin disregards medical advice and the police, as do the Thompson twins, to track down a gang of counterfeiters.
It's worth noting that in the album Red Rackham's Treasure (1945), Tintin adopts an accommodating or compromise-based style. Is this why Spielberg chose this album for the screen?
In his adventures, Tintin never seeks to "win for the sake of winning." He acts for a cause: saving a friend, uncovering the truth, or defending the innocent.
Tintin remains true to himself. His integrity is predictable, which inspires trust, even in his adversaries.
He never humiliates, even when he wins.
Tintin respects those who have betrayed him, sometimes saves them, and never boasts. Even though he's highly competitive, Tintin knows how to work as part of a team, as seen with Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus, and Zorrino in Prisoners of the Sun (1949). He can sometimes defer to his partners on certain aspects when the situation demands it.
Even in albums like The Calculus Affair (1956) and Destination Moon (1953), where Tintin finds himself under particular pressure, he remains focused, factual, and composed.
More than ninety years after his creation, Tintin remains a surprisingly modern figure. His effectiveness is based neither on force nor manipulation, but on the consistency of his values, his adaptability, and his understanding of human relationships. These qualities remind us that, in any negotiation, trust often remains the most powerful lever.
It's worth noting that in the album Red Rackham's Treasure (1945), Tintin adopts an accommodating or compromise-based style. Is this why Spielberg chose this album for the screen?
In his adventures, Tintin never seeks to "win for the sake of winning." He acts for a cause: saving a friend, uncovering the truth, or defending the innocent.
Tintin remains true to himself. His integrity is predictable, which inspires trust, even in his adversaries.
He never humiliates, even when he wins.
Tintin respects those who have betrayed him, sometimes saves them, and never boasts. Even though he's highly competitive, Tintin knows how to work as part of a team, as seen with Captain Haddock, Professor Calculus, and Zorrino in Prisoners of the Sun (1949). He can sometimes defer to his partners on certain aspects when the situation demands it.
Even in albums like The Calculus Affair (1956) and Destination Moon (1953), where Tintin finds himself under particular pressure, he remains focused, factual, and composed.
More than ninety years after his creation, Tintin remains a surprisingly modern figure. His effectiveness is based neither on force nor manipulation, but on the consistency of his values, his adaptability, and his understanding of human relationships. These qualities remind us that, in any negotiation, trust often remains the most powerful lever.