Most people have come across someone who can negotiate anything.
You’ve probably met this type of person before: they’re the ones who leave the car lot with a deal well below the sticker price, the ones who find an 18th-century armoire at a flea market and buy it for a fourth of its tag price, and the ones who stroll into the boss’s office and leave with a raise.
These individuals appear to have a natural talent. Everyone else must accept a lifetime of paying the total price for automobiles and antiques and avoiding uncomfortable salary discussions at work, right?
Wrong. Every single one of us is constantly engaged in covert negotiations. You need to work on developing those skills to make a difference in your life.
By speaking up, you could negotiate an improved outcome for yourself. And your boss is thrilled because you’ve given him a finished project and a better, knowledgeable worker who can apply that knowledge in the future.
Learning to bargain effectively can increase your access to resources, expand your opportunities, and enhance the quality of your life. A few suggestions for improving your bargaining abilities follow.
1. Never accept a draw as an acceptable outcome.
You may be inclined to look for “win-win” solutions as you develop your negotiation skills.
It may seem like a good idea to try and keep things amicable with your bargaining partner by agreeing to the first reasonable proposal that benefits both of you, but this strategy often backfires.
Instead, make it a point to shoot for the stars while yet being practical with your expectations.
2. Be sure to stay focused on your objective.
Some people are very proud of their ability to maximize their competitive advantage. They would like to take the table with them if at all possible.
However, studies reveal that many winners feel guilty about their success.
3. Mind the balance of power.
For your own benefit, you should work to shift the existing power dynamic whenever it isn’t a natural outgrowth of preexisting roles and relationships.
Naturally, you shouldn’t be impolite or inappropriate, but you shouldn’t be hesitant to challenge anything that looks unfair or unfavorable.
You should never feel obligated to participate in a negotiating process that makes you feel weak, unsafe, or coerced.
4. Avoid becoming too trusting.
You shouldn’t put all your trust in the other parties just because you’ve insisted on and consistently offered honesty.
The finest advice is to be trustworthy at all times but do not count on others to do the same.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket and rely too heavily on other people.
It’s better to let your self-assurance grow gradually as you earn it.
Never trust someone whose incentives and interests give them a good reason to betray the cause.
5. Promptly interrogate the subject.
Successful negotiators tend to be question-askers.
The trick is to think of follow-up questions ahead of time and to listen carefully enough to ask targeted follow-ups.
Top negotiators have excellent listening abilities, as well as solid preparation routines, and the ability to articulate their positions properly.
6. Get ready and get some experience under your belt.
Get your work done. It’s a rule of thumb that the more you plan, the better your results will be.
You’ll have plenty of chances to hone your skills in planning and organization as you progress through life.
Make the most of opportunities like these to hone your talents and gain experience.
Doing so can help you become a more nimble negotiator who can find creative solutions to problems and ultimately achieve better results for themselves.
7. To live is to negotiate.
You can significantly improve your situation if you pay close attention to this truth. Improve your ability to make sound financial choices.
Your money goes further.
Options exist that will benefit your connections with others.
You can safeguard yourself from dishonest dealings. It’s worth your time to work on being a better negotiator.