Simple Negotiation Skills for Any Workplace Situation

Negotiation skills are vital to further your career and ensure frictionless teamwork and collaboration. It common to think that negotiation is a process only to resolve major issues—a pay rise, sorting out a business deal, or something else significant. However, negotiation techniques are necessary every day in the workplace.

Learning effective negotiation strategies is helpful in all areas of life. In this article, you’ll learn about five simple negotiation skills to master. But first, it’s good to find out what are types of negotiation strategies.

What it Means to Negotiate

Negotiation means reaching an agreement. Typically, two or more parties try and come to an acceptable resolution where both sides feel they have gained something. Generally, negotiation is related to compromise where there is some “give and take” to reach a “win-win” situation.

The key to successful negotiation is where everyone involved works to reach the best outcome. This could be to do with their position, their team, or the organisation they represent. For negotiations to be smooth and successful, involved parties must recognise the principles of fairness.

Here are a few types of negotiation strategies:

• Principled negotiation—This type of negotiation is useful when there is a conflict. The goal of negotiation is to find a mutually shared outcome.
• Distributive negotiation—In layman’s terms, this negotiation strategy means haggling. Typically, one party gains something while the other must lose something.
• Integrative negotiations—Often called “win-win negotiation”, this type of discussion involves both parties agreeing on a process to achieve a common goal.

5 Simple Negotiation Skills to Master

It’s crucial to learn effective negotiation skills in the workplace because we interact with people. Most of the time, everyone is looking for a different outcome. For example, you may want to work more from home; however, your boss isn’t keen on the idea. Or you may feel that you’re entitled to a pay rise, and you need to negotiate a better deal.

Here are some easy skills to learn if you want to be a great negotiator.

1. Preparation is fundamental to negotiation

Before you enter discussions to resolve an issue or come to an agreement, you must prepare well. Preparation means knowing what you want and how to achieve it. However, it would be best if you based your case on research and facts.

For example, say you want to negotiate a pay rise. You need to prove your value to the company. It’s also helpful to find out what other people in a similar position receive. But you may need to be willing to accept compromises if your employer offers you benefits in place of more money.

2. Clear communication is a vital negotiation skill

During a negotiation, you need to get your point across clearly and concisely. Negotiations can break down quickly when the other side isn’t sure of what you’re asking. Being well prepared is an excellent first step in communicating effectively.

Related reading: Overcoming the barriers of effective communication.

3. Active listening boosts effective negotiation

Another negotiation skill to master is active listening. This negotiation technique involves giving full attention to the other party and listening with all your senses. During negotiations, it’s just as crucial that you fully understand what the other person wants. This way, you don’t miss vital points because you can get the complete message being communicated.

4. Know when to compromise

During negotiations, it’s a good idea to know when you can compromise. Negotiation strategies are all about improving teamwork and collaboration. So, both parties must work together to accomplish a common goal. A benefit of collaborating in a team is that it instils trust and strengthens the team’s position.  

5. Problem-solving skills in negotiation

A problem-solving approach to negotiation is essential to resolve significant issues. This type of negotiation technique emphasises underlying interests rather than positions. To help resolve problems, you must keep an open mind to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Mastering Negotiation Skills — In Conclusion

Learning the skills of negotiation is useful in all areas of life. Partners must negotiate with each other, parents have to resolve issues with kids, and even when driving—drivers negotiate with each other on the road.

Leaning strong negotiation skills is beneficial to strengthen relationships in your personal life, workplace and further your successful career.