Negotiating can often be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right set of skills, you can be an absolute master negotiator in no time. Think of it like a game of chess — you have to plan your moves carefully and know when to make your move. With the right negotiation skills, you’ll have the upper hand in any bargaining situation including when you want to be persuasive at work. So, what are some of the most useful negotiation skills you can use to get the best deal? Let’s find out!
1. Listening
One of the most important negotiation skills is listening. It’s important to be an active listener and really focus on what the other side is saying. Doing this helps you to understand the situation better and makes it easier to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. It also helps you to identify any potential areas of disagreement and allows you to address them in a respectful manner. Additionally, being a good listener shows the other party that you respect them and value their opinion, which can help to build trust and goodwill. It’s also important to be an attentive listener and pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and any other non-verbal cues that can give you clues about the other party’s needs and motivations.
2. Asking Questions
Negotiation is all about understanding the other person, their needs and the context of the conversation. Asking questions is a great way to get a better understanding of the situation. It helps to clarify the other person’s position and also gives you a better idea of how to proceed with the negotiation. Questions should be specific and open-ended, such as “What do you think is the most important outcome of this negotiation?” and “What would you ideally like to get out of this conversation?”. It is also important to be mindful of your tone when asking questions, as it can have a big impact on the other person’s willingness to negotiate.
Asking questions in a respectful and non-confrontational manner helps to create a productive dialogue. Besides, as we all know: if you don’t ask you don’t get! This is something particularly important to remember when asking for a salary increase: according to Fidelity, 85% of people who asked for a salary increase
3. Setting Goals
One of the most important negotiation skills is setting goals. Knowing what you want to achieve in the negotiation process is essential. It’s important to identify your own goals and needs as well as those of the other party. Having realistic expectations and understanding what is achievable will help you make the best decisions. It’s also important to be flexible and open to compromise. Having clear goals will also help you stay focused and organized during the negotiation process.
Setting goals can help you to be more effective in negotiation because it allows you to prioritize your interests and focus on the most important aspects of the deal. It can also help you to identify potential areas of compromise and determine what concessions you are willing to make in order to reach an agreement. Additionally, setting goals can help you to avoid making decisions based on emotion or impulse, and instead focus on the long-term outcomes and benefits of the negotiation. By setting clear and realistic goals, you can position yourself for success in the negotiation process.
4. Research
One of the most useful negotiation skills is doing your research. Knowing the facts and being able to back up your arguments with data can give you an edge in negotiations. Researching the other party’s needs, goals, and interests can also help you identify potential areas of agreement, and enable you to present your own points more effectively. Additionally, researching market trends and industry developments can help you understand the context in which you are negotiating, and ensure that you are making the best decisions for your business. Doing your research is an essential negotiation skill that can help you get the best possible outcomes in any negotiation.
5. Body Language
Negotiation is a lot more than just the words you say. Your body language speaks volumes and is something that many people underestimate when it comes to negotiation. Non-verbal cues like maintaining eye contact, using open gestures and body positioning, and even mirroring the other person’s body language can help you build trust, create a better understanding and make the other person more comfortable. This can lead to a more productive negotiation as you’ll be able to reach an agreement faster without hurting anyone’s feelings.
