We all negotiate all the time. Remember as a kid when you spent weeks pleading for that new toy and promising to tidy your room in return?
In the workplace, you may be called upon to negotiate deals with people or you may wish to negotiate a better salary. Here's how to develop this life skill:
Know what YOU want. Think through exactly what you want - be specific and have valid reasons for why you need it. Knowing what you want, and why, will help you to be clearer and more confident.
Know what THEY want. Before you start negotiating, it's important to have an idea of what the other party would like the outcome to be, too. So think it through - why do they need what you're offering/asking for? And do your research - how can you make them feel like they've got a good deal?
Be fair. If what you're asking for is fair and justifiable e.g. you'd like to earn as much as someone you work equally as hard as, then you're much more likely to get what you want. It's no good thinking - 'I want to go to Ibiza, therefore I need a pay rise, so give me the money'. Try and demonstrate how what you do is worth just as much as others' work - and you're on the way.
Believe you're worth it. You have to believe that you deserve your desired outcome. If you don't, the moment your client or boss questions you, your argument will fall apart because you don't have enough confidence in it. Believe it, trust yourself - and rehearse it.
Listen carefully. When your boss/client is talking to you during negotiations, don't use that time to plan your next line of attack - it's more important that you listen to them and see their point of view. They'll take you more seriously if you do, even if you disagree with them.
Keep it friendly. Negotiating isn't about confrontation; it's about two parties reaching an amicable, mutually beneficial agreement. Keep that in mind when you're talking and, even if you don't get what you want this time, view it as good practice for the future.
Have an alternative. When you're discussing specifically what you want, as well as what they want, work out what you'd be prepared to walk away with if you're not successful. Is there an acceptable alternative that will keep both parties happy in the short-term? Throw this into the negotiation if it doesn't go in your direction - everyone can compromise.
