6 TACTICS TO
BECOMING A BETTER NEGOTIATOR
by: JENNY Q. TA
from: fastcompany
1. PLAN AHEAD
Make a list of
meeting goals and items that should be discussed, as well as a list of possible
outcomes. Try to build a case for achieving the best results. Make a Plan B in
case the conversation does not go your way. Ferret out the other side’s
weaknesses and try and capitalize on them as you go about making your plan.
Planning for a
negotiation is like planning to argue a case in the courts--the only difference
is that negotiations are friendlier. Once your plan is ready, you should have
the following in hand:
◎A list of possible outcomes
◎The course that you would like to steer the conversation on
This exercise
will help you prepare for the negotiation and ensure that the discussion is
results-oriented.
2. YOUR EGO IS NOT YOUR AMIGO
The ego makes
you do or say things in a way that pleases you and makes you feel powerful. It
incites you to tower above everyone else. It makes you a selfish beast and if
you allow your ego to rule you at the negotiating table, you may end up killing
the deal and alienating people.
Leave your ego
at home or elsewhere and be neutral while negotiating and you will see the
difference. Remember, the negotiation is not about “I,” it’s about “We.”
3. DISCUSS CONCERNS
Don’t be afraid
to voice your concerns, but voice them in an affable or jovial manner. Don’t
get aggressive or raise your voice while discussing your problems and try and
engineer a solution with feedback from the others.
4. BE MINDFUL OF BODY LANGUAGE
Positive body
language helps. Use your eyes and expressions to your best advantage. Sit
upright with elbows on the table, don’t lean back, don’t grimace, don’t shake
your head or fold your arms across your chest, make direct eye contact, pay
attention, smile and nod when required, etc. Body language says a lot about you
and your attitude, and you must draw attention of others with positive body
language and expressions.
5. NO RESULT? DON’T PANIC
If the
negotiators do not reach an understanding, do not panic or appear anxious. It
may be possible that the other party needs some more time to chew over your
proposal. Offer to leave the door open for future meetings and be sincere about
it.
6. ANALYZE AND CORRECT
Analyze what
went wrong and what worked during the meeting. Build up on your strengths, correct
your weaknesses, and get ready for the next meeting.
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