Are you someone who avoids negotiation? Or confrontation? Is this philosophy one you follow? “Go along to get along.” Yet, sometimes, we need to be a better negotiator. Why? So that we protect our own self-interest.
Indeed, this topic applies to both of these perspectives. As an employee/prospective employee seeking the best salary. also, as a consumer seeking to get a bargain. For example:
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Tips on How to Be a Better Negotiator
For helpful negotiating advice, we turn to For Sale by Owner. Although the following is by a real-estate firm, it applies to most situations we face. From the perspective of an employee or a shopper:
“Negotiation. The word itself can stir up a variety of reactions from excitement and anticipation to dread and fear. Those who aren’t well-versed in the art and science of negotiating might feel like it’s too close to confrontation. However, those who have mastered it will likely disagree. Negotiation is more about listening and finding common ground – a well-balanced conversation.”
“One of the first things people mistakenly assume about negotiating is that being overly confident and assertive are necessary for ‘getting your way.’ In reality, pushiness is a turnoff. As a result, it will likely make people resistant to seeing your point of view. People who are good listeners are much more successful in negotiating.”
“Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, points out that self-interest is at the core of our motivations. Each negotiating party has different goals. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find common ground and form bonds. In addition to being understanding and a good listener, there are a variety of tactics and traits that you can use to negotiate successfully. See some of those tactics in the infographic below.”
