6 Powerful Ways You Can Improve Your Negotiation Skills

Having honed negotiation skills is vital for your work, whether you are an artist, a freelancer, an executive, or a member of a Fortune 500 firm. Negotiation training opens up more options on the way to financial and professional success. You could be negotiating a million-dollar contract, a better benefits package, or even a fashion choice with your toddler.

Whatever you're negotiating, mastering a few methods will help you get through even the hardest negotiators with ease. You know who they are: a senior colleague who has direct control over your well-being and is notoriously tough or rigid. Here are seven suggestions for managing the complexities of a difficult negotiation.

1. Know exactly what you want

It may seem obvious, but far too frequently, a person enters a negotiation without having a precise and clear knowledge of what he or she wants and why. Not only should you have a clear idea of what you want, but you should also be aware of the parameters within which you will or will not accept.

It's crucial to remember that you might not win every negotiation, so know when to keep talking and when to walk away. Knowing exactly what you want to achieve can help you make smarter decisions along the road and arrive at the best possible outcome.

2. Do your homework

Understanding the worth of what you have to offer as well as the perceived value of what you are asking for in exchange is maybe the most critical aspect of bargaining. If you're negotiating a raise, you'll want to show the employer how valuable you are to them and why giving you that raise is in their best interests.

You'll need facts, data, and statistics to illustrate why it's in the best interests of such affiliates and stakeholders if you want to negotiate a lower rent or a service contract. Remember, you're constantly trying to create a win-win situation, so make sure you show how what you're looking for is beneficial to both sides.

3. Place yourself in their shoes

We often believe we know what others desire when we actually don't. Great negotiators want to create win-win scenarios, but doing so necessitates understanding what the opposing person or party is hoping to accomplish and why.

Don't assume you know what the other person wants unless you've taken the time to think about their perspective, position, experience, and reputation. Empathy should be practiced. Not everyone will be open and honest about what they want, but thinking about what you know or have been told about someone else can help you understand why they are acting the way they are.

Understanding someone else's situation may help you communicate more effectively and possibly direct you toward the most fair and equitable solution. Even the hardest negotiators can be broken by shared humanity – it's more difficult to maintain a stiff façade when someone is actively demonstrating understanding and empathy for another's point of view.

4. Aim for a win-win situation

This is a natural outgrowth of expressing empathy for your partner's point of view. You can start the process of attaining a fair solution after you know what both you and the other person or party want. However, this is not a failsafe method.

Hardball negotiators frequently conceal their genuine goals in order to persuade you to accept less so that they can win. This is where knowing your personal bottom line and what you will and will not tolerate becomes extremely crucial. Don't be scared to be direct about this.

It's perfectly acceptable to remark, "I have a need for [goal and reason]." For what I believe is [reason], you have a need for [goal]. What can we do to meet in the middle?” Unfortunately, expressing your case and seeking to build an understanding connection may not be enough in some instances, and you may need to leave the negotiation table until the other person is willing to make some concessions.

5. Be direct

Warm interpersonal attempts will not always elicit a positive response from a negotiation counterpart. If you're dealing with a negotiator who's on the more difficult end of the spectrum, it's time to use your own tough techniques. Being forceful has the ability to increase your regard.

Keep in mind, however, that you should always maintain a calm and respectful demeanor when communicating your needs. In some situations, telling someone that their behavior is inappropriate and that you will not budge to dominating, manipulative tactics is acceptable. When you put self-respect first, you might be surprised at the answer you get.

6. Don't lose your cool

Tough negotiators might use a variety of strategies to irritate you and throw you off your game. It is your responsibility to ensure that they do not succeed. It's critical to keep a calm, cool, and collected approach, whether they're trying to make you doubt your worth to the organization, break your focus, or encourage you to behave and respond emotionally.

If you feel the atmosphere is becoming too hot, there is nothing wrong with asking for a break and “walking a lap” to cool down. Remember that you have no influence over their actions or strategies, but you do have power over your own. A level mind will always yield a better result than an emotional outburst.

Negotiation methods that are both peaceful and firm do not come naturally to everyone. To help you feel well-prepared, don't be scared to practice these methods in front of a mirror or with a friendly companion. Confidence and assertiveness take time to develop, but they are abilities well worth the effort. Best of luck!