Negotiating is a fundamental aspect of our everyday lives, whether we’re discussing salary terms for a new job or simply deciding on a location for dinner. This skill is particularly crucial in the business world, where the ability to reach an agreement can make or break deals. For individuals who aren’t natural negotiators, the process can be intimidating. But fear not! This post will provide a comprehensive guide to improving your negotiation skills, helping you to ‘crush it’ in your next negotiation session.

Understanding Your Interlocutor

Your interlocutor is simply the person you’re having the conversation with. Understanding their needs, aspirations, and concerns can help you build rapport and tailor your approach effectively. Remember, negotiation is not about winning against the other party but reaching an agreement that benefits both sides.

Know What You Want and What’s Possible

Before entering into negotiations, be clear about your own needs and desires. Understand the worth of what you’re asking for and don’t be afraid to advocate for it. However, it’s equally important to have a realistic understanding of what is achievable in your particular context. A little research can go a long way!

Don’t Assume and Always Communicate

Misgivings can often arise from misunderstandings. Don’t assume that your efforts are acknowledged and appreciated without explicit communication. In a professional setting, use mechanisms like appraisals or weekly updates to ensure your contributions are recognised. Requesting feedback is also a good way to show that you’re keen on learning and improving.

Uncomfortable but Necessary Conversations

Money discussions, while often uncomfortable, are vital, particularly when negotiating salaries or pay raises. But, it’s important not to let this work against you. Any raises you receive are likely based on your current salary, so negotiating your best offer from the get-go is crucial.

Be Prepared for Rejections

Negotiations may not always turn out in your favour. It’s important to anticipate this and be prepared with a plan B. Knowing when to walk away from the table is as essential as knowing when to push for more.

Key Vocabulary

Understanding specific terms can improve your negotiation skills by allowing you to express yourself more clearly and understand what others are saying. Here are some words and phrases related to negotiation:

  • Interlocutor: A person who takes part in a dialogue or conversation.
  • Crush it: An idiomatic expression meaning to succeed or excel at a particular task or endeavor.
  • Misgiving: A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something.
  • Turn down: To reject something offered or proposed. E.g., ‘She had to turn down the first offer during the negotiation.’
  • Frowned upon: Actions, behaviors, or practices that are generally disapproved of.
  • Willingness: The quality or state of being prepared to do something.
  • Appraisal: An act of assessing something or someone.
  • Arrogantly: In a manner resulting from or revealing an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.
  • Pulled out: Withdrawal or removal; retreat or disengagement; exiting or discontinuing participation.
  • Lay out: Explain something clearly and carefully.
  • Ripple effect: The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
  • Anticipate: Regard as probable; expect or predict.
  • Go in knowing: Enter a situation with a clear understanding of what to expect.
  • Worth: The level at which someone or something deserves to be valued.
  • Lie to: Intentionally provide false or misleading information with the intention of deceiving.
  • Yardstick: A standard used for comparison. In negotiations, this might refer to industry standards or previous agreements.
  • Back-and-forth: An ongoing exchange of communications, ideas, or actions.
  • Play hardball: A phrase meaning to act tough or aggressively, often in negotiations.
  • Leeway: The amount of freedom to move or act that is available.
  • Perspective: A particular way of considering something; point of view.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any other skill, becoming a good negotiator requires practice. The more you negotiate, the more comfortable you’ll become with the process, and the better you’ll be able to anticipate and respond to the other party’s needs and concerns.

Conclusion

Negotiation is an art that can be mastered with understanding, preparation, and practice. Go into every negotiation knowing what you want, but also be willing to understand and accommodate the other party’s needs.

Remember, the goal isn’t to “win” the negotiation but to reach an agreement that’s mutually beneficial. Don’t hesitate to communicate, prepare yourself for possible rejections, and know when it’s time to walk away. With these tips and practice, you’ll be able to crush your next negotiation!

Do you have any other tips or strategies for successful negotiation? Let us know in the comments below!