09.15.2022
Negotiation is an essential part of all domains in life, and it is unavoidable. A few months ago, I talked about the 3 most important negotiation skills that one should know. The previous article included concepts such as BATNA, holding point and never negotiating out of a place of fear.
As a follow up to the previous article, today I’ll talk about some interpersonal negotiation skills that all professionals must learn to make their life easier and negotiations smoother.
1) Build A Good Rapport
Deals are put off all the time just because the other party might not be aware about your personality or might not be willing to do business with you due to a lack of trust and unfamiliarity about how your collaboration might work out.
While it may not always be possible to engage in small-talk or knowing your buyer/seller beforehand, especially when you’re working with tight deadlines, it can be the make-or-break factor. An introduction through a polite phone call before meeting or just taking out a few minutes to talk in person can increase your chances of a successful collaboration.
Implementing this negotiation skill is easy and will also make an agreement more likely.
2) Actively Listen
Instead of being eager to instantly put your point across the moment the other party stops speaking, or just thinking what you’ll say next will distract you from what the other person is trying to convey. Your mind is so preoccupied with formulating your reply or counter-offer, that you are attentively listening and understanding the other side.
Being an active listener will help you acquire valuable information and subtly veiled hints or expectations, Consequently, it’ll allow you to come up with better agreements or counters. Moreover, the other person will value your undivided attention and reciprocate the effort.
Win-win for all.
3) Emotional Intelligence
Having a high Emotional Quotient (EQ) or Emotional Intelligence gives you an advantage in every meeting or professional setup in your career.
For instance, being an active listener instead of being someone who cuts off others to make their point reflects poorly on you, both personally and professionally.
Possessing higher EQ can enable you to read the emotions of other parties as well. Active listening, patience and always negotiating in good faith give you the upper hand and increase your EQ. Furthermore, being positive and displaying trust during the negotiation will aid your deal as opposed to displaying your anger, excitement or nervousness during the bargaining process.
Written by Gagan Dhawan
