Rolf Dobelli on the value of inflexibility

The second reason inflexibility is so valuable has to do with reputation.  By being consistent on certain topics, you signal where you stand and establish the areas where there's no room for negotiation...  If you lead a life consistent with your pledges - whatever those look like - people will gradually start to leave you in peace.  Legendary investor Warren Buffett, for instance, refuses on principle to negotiate.  If you want to sell him your company, you've got exactly one shot...  Buffett has acquired such a reputation for inflexibility that he's now guaranteed to be offered the best deal right from the word go, without wasting any time on haggling.

~ Rolf Dobelli, The Art of the Good Life, p. 11