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Have you paid attention to how parents convince their children to finish their homework or tidy their rooms? They use various kinds of persuasion techniques like extra play-time or other incentives. We’ve all probably fallen prey to the ‘if you get good marks, you’ll get what you want’ line. These are some examples of negotiation from daily life.
More often than we realize, negotiation is at the heart of our interpersonal relationships. We practice various negotiating techniques in our personal and professional lives. Read on to understand the importance of negotiation skills in business settings and how to negotiate effectively.
Why Negotiation?
Negotiation is an inevitable and integral part of our lives. It’s a type of communication that accounts for everybody’s needs and interests. Everyone involved tries to find a mutually acceptable solution. Negotiation is also an important communication tool in business environments. It’s essential for driving an organization’s goals and good negotiation skills and techniques are highly valued in today’s workplaces.
How To Use Negotiating Technique
Here are some negotiation strategies that can help you maximize gains and reduce conflicts when presenting your arguments.
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Do Your Homework
Always have a plan to support your negotiation tactics. Research strengthens arguments and you can identify exactly what you want and why you want it. For example, if you’re offered a salary and it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always read up on the average salaries in that industry. This negotiating technique will help you make a strong case for your ideal salary.
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Label Your Feelings
It’s impossible to separate your emotions from negotiations. This is why you should manage them and start by labeling your emotions. For example, if you respond rudely, try to identify your current feelings. Is it anger that has pushed you to respond so callously? Addressing emotions helps analyze situations objectively.
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Ask Open-Ended Questions
During a negotiation, you don’t want a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to your argument(s). You want everybody involved to communicate their thoughts and feelings instead. When you ask open-ended questions, you get a clearer picture from other negotiators. It also helps formulate counter-arguments more efficiently. Create common grounds for interaction by asking relevant questions.
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Share More Information
We often make the mistake of withholding information during negotiations. When you share little information, you’re not conveying your purposefully. Those involved may misjudge your intentions and the process can get derailed. It’s a good idea to divulge the necessary details that may support your argument. For example, if you want to lead a business project, you could indicate how your personal goals align with the project’s targets.
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Be Prepared To Give Something Up
This negotiating technique may sound discouraging but it’s extremely helpful in setting realistic expectations. You have to acknowledge the fact that you may not get everything you want. You should be flexible and keep an open mind in case things don’t go as planned. For example, if you want to want to hire a freelance professional for a project, you’re more likely to settle for the price set by the freelancer because of their unique skill sets and expertise.
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Negotiation Isn’t A Competition
The importance of negotiation tactics is rooted in the fact that it’s not always about winning. It’s about reaching a conclusion that benefits the majority of people involved. If you want a competitive advantage, then you’ll never be able to maximize gains. For example, if everybody on your team is required to come up with a new business strategy, you could suggest a collective brainstorming session. Diverse perspectives may prompt everybody to think more innovatively.
Harappa Education’s Negotiating Wisely course will teach you how to handle conflicts and reach mutually beneficial agreements. The Dual Concern Model will help you learn about the different methods of negotiation. On the other hand, the Contentious Tactics framework will guide you in maximizing common gains. Articulate your position clearly and become a master negotiator today!
Explore topics such as Negotiation Skills, What is Negotiation & Persuasion and Negotiation from our Harappa Diaries section and learn to negotiate wisely.
