Tips for Success
Everyday life often leads to situations where we have to negotiate. Ranging from the simplest to the most complex issues, some kind of settlement is usually required. Whether it is with our partner, our child, a colleague at work or a supervisor. Other times it may be needed when intellecting with a neighbor, a clerk at the store…at times even with ourselves. In all forms of relationships, coming to an agreement is required to get along and achieve the things that we want. The ability to negotiate is highly valued in the workplace and is considered a key asset that gives the person a competitive advantage. A skilled person can achieve smooth communication with other people and reach his goals effectively without anyone being compromised. When everything goes smoothly in an argument, isn’t it great?
All people would benefit from knowing the key points of a good negotiation in order to avoid frequent ruptures and conflicts at all levels. Particularly on a busy day, you don’t want to be endlessly consumed on what outfit your child will wear, whether they will eat their food, which can be very time-consuming and soul-crushing. There are ways to sort it out much more peacefully and, in the end, you can give yourself a thumbs-up. So, the right communication skills will not only help resolve the debate effectively but will also help to boost your confidence as you will pretty much feel, after achieving the right outcome, strong enough to conquer the world!!!
Here are some effective negotiation tactics that would definitely enhance your diplomatic skills and make you feel powerful again:
Active Listening
You should definitely listen carefully in the beginning to what the other party has to say. Either if it is your kid, your partner, your boss or a person you just met on the street. Demonstrate empathy and understanding towards the other person’s perspective, and show that you are truly listening to their needs and concerns. Always listen without interrupting him, being ironic or showing discomfort. A good idea to being calm during the listening part is counting to 10 in your mind. It’s not only that it will give you the time and space to relax before saying what’s in your mind (which you could regret afterwards if it’s been said in the heat of the moment) but it is also shown by research that when a person calculates numbers, the logical part of the brain is automatically activated and the emotions are suppressed. So give it a try the next time.
Be Patient and Stay Respectful
Negotiations can take time, so be patient and allow space for both you and your partner to express your thoughts and feelings. If you feel that it’s not the right moment to debate or there is not the same mood on both parts then it’s probably best to walk away and try to come back to it when the circumstances are more ideal. Βy forcing the situation you won’t have a positive outcome.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Acknowledge and praise your child, coworker, partner, friend for their efforts in expressing and sharing their feelings with you and explain how important that is in order to built a strong relationship and understanding for each other. Coming to a mutually satisfactory agreement would be the next step thus reassure them you are perfectly willing to give it a try. That method will surely calm them down because they will feel that they are being understood by you. Now, you have built the foundation on which the terms will be set.
Define your goals
Clearly outline what you hope to achieve through this communication process. This will help you stay focused and on track. After explaining how important it is to you to come in terms with him and how true and genuinely you will be by his side along the way, make some suggestions on what you suppose would be the best solution for you both. Justify your suggestions so that he can trust you.
Seek Common Ground
Look for areas of agreement and build on them. This will help create a more positive and constructive negotiation environment. Αfter you have come to a mutual decision, thank him for his cooperation and secure your agreement with a gesture of confirmation. Body language speaks louder than words. Depending on how personal your relationship is, this gesture can be a handshake, a hug or even a kiss (if it’s your partner or your child).
Keep in mind that negotiation isn’t about winning an argument, it’s about creating a win-win situation where everybody will be happier and will be acting more respectfully to each other. It’s about respecting and not constantly challenging others. Proper communication helps us to establish a peaceful environment where others are eventually forced to act in a similar way. As a result, you live in a calmer social context and realize that, to a large extent, it was ultimately depending on you. The power we have within is great and most of the times we don’t realize it. If we stop for a moment and slow down, it becomes clear that we are capable of setting the terms, of setting the rules for the game as long as we play it right and it is as simple as these 5 steps. Just stop for a moment, take a step back and try it!
