But as it was in the days of the courts of King Henry VIII, executives are going to depend ever more on trusted human agents, dispatched to the far corners of kingdoms to carry sensitive messages, learn sensitive information, negotiate and close deals.

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Last man Simon Kerrigan fell caught behind to Mitch Claydon one ball after Sutton reached three figures, leaving Durham openers Stoneman and Michael di Venuto 13 overs to negotiate before the close.

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And when women learn to negotiate, they tend to close their own personal wage or income gap by successfully bargaining for promotions, bonuses, a raise in their fees, credit for results accomplished and, of course, raises in pay.

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The two were close and Mr. Jobs trusted Mr. Cue to negotiate partnerships, placing a phone call to a media chief only when it was required to seal the deal.

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