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Negotiating
can be a challenge. Sometimes we watch successful negotiators at work and
wonder if it is an ability they were born with. But with a little time,
information and preparation you can head for the negotiating table with
confidence.
Ten Steps to Win-Win Negotiating.
1. Be prepared. Define your objectives and use lateral thinking to brainstorm
possible ways they can be achieved.
2. Research the other party’s objectives and brainstorm the methods they may
use. “Find the edge” – any pressure points or hidden agendas.
“Information is power.”
3. Prepare yourself and the way you use the venue. Choose your seating for
power, your clothes and your attitude.
4. Establish a cordial relationship on opening the meeting. Specify the aims
of the meeting.
5. Raise less contentious issues first.
6. Promote harmony, minimise the negatives and articulate areas of
commonality.
7. “Win-win” means compromises on both sides, so be prepared to bargain.
Start with two lists – your must-haves and your might-haves, and start with
a higher level than you expect to obtain. Highlight the contribution of your
concession to the other person’s objectives.
8. Be prepared to release information at times beneficial to your cause. Use
silence.
9. Listen for surprises.
10. Articulate the agreed outcomes and any timelines, or they may collapse.
Use detailed preparation and the win-win method and you have the tools to
approach negotiation with confidence.
© 2006 Bronwyn Ritchie
All rights reserved. If you would like to use this article, you have
permission to use it only in full, and with the following Resource box
attached.
| Bronwyn Ritchie
is a librarian, an award-winning public speaker and ITC-certified
trainer - Bringing you resources and training in public speaking, management of
self and of your community organisation, resources for teachers,
and new and news from the internet. Visit www.consultpivotal.com |
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Ritchie's
