Mission:Win-Win

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people half way-Henry Boyle






In this festive time of the year I went to our local bargain market for some profitable deals.As usual the place was crowded and everybody was looking for the best deals .But a good bargain is not every body's cup of tea,it needs skills and practice, that's what I came to know .More over the bargain market was not at all a good place to try negotiation skills since everybody was battling to gain their own end.

The dictionary meaning of the negotiation skill is : "mutual discussion and arrangement of terms of transaction or agreement".So its clear that negotiation skill is a win-win situation which includes mutual discussions.On my way back home ,I was thinking ,negotiation is a most important truth of our lives.In this small world with even smaller resources,we are continuously negotiating one thing with another in order to live.we are not even aware of it.If we pay a little more attention to this much required skill,then we will not only gain but we might be able to help others to gain too. Because negotiation is a win -win game.We just cant have all for our selves.

There are few very simple rules of successful negotiation.It can be learnt.

Know the person
You will need somebody to negotiate with.So know your opponent first.A general sincere conversation can help you build rapport with him/her. you will find information on how to build a successful rapport in this link. Importance of RAPPORT
If you  are going to deal with a person who is quite hostile with you for any reason ,then you better be "Button-Proof".What I mean is do not take his/her angry insulting remarks or outbursts personally.We need to understand that something is bothering this person and he /she is suffering from that cause.




Understand the challenge
Next you need to understand the challenge or the topic on which you are ready to negotiate.In his step we should ask relevant questions.Listen actively. Do not forget to set limits , about how much you can afford to loose.This is important.


Alternatives
Its imperative to seek out different alternatives to solve the problem.This will open up new ways for the negotiation. Create alternative workable plans.This will add value to the negotiation process.The thing to remember is,in order to make our opponent  buy the alternatives, we should include  their point of view and and needs.Its a two way process .


Adding structure
To make the process successful we might need to add some structure to shape it.Only discussion over a cup of coffee might not be enough for many topics.Here we might need to set a location,day,time,set objectives,if the 3rd party opinion should be included,rules to abide etc.




Behavior
when the real time comes,some must-have qualities we need to remember those are:
empathy,striving to achieve win-win situation, maintaining  eye contact,being careful with vocal tone,body language,calmness,non-aggressive attitude.Satisfaction should be the main goal.The best negotiators are patient.They never hurries up or nurture any presumptions or gets to the conclusion first.

A miser and a liar bargain quickly.
Greek Proverb




Dealing objections
Objection is a vital part.Either we face it or we make it.There are 3 types of objections-Real,False,Underlying.
The more patient and the more questions you ask,you can solve this problem ,in case you face it.


Gender
Another vital part that are often ignored by the parties that negotiates,which is sex-difference.Men and women communicate differently.Men are more goal oriented and independent.They focus on their power over the other party.Men tend to avoid emotional questions.Men often use put-down remarks and insults, especially when communicating with another man,which is a macho thing.Men are issue-minded.On the other hand  women are more emotional and intimate.women are open with emotional issues,they can be chatty.They want  be pleasant and wants to be treated nicely.They are feeling-minded.

Women offer  subtle clues,which often men fail  to pick up.women want to set rules by emotion and feelings.They pick up clues from indirect conversation more skillfully.They often expect men to do the same. whereas Men are  more direct in their approach.

Silence is another important factor which cant be overlooked.Men are often silent when they work out a plan in their mind.on the other hand women goes in to a silent -mode when they have lost trust or annoyed.

so next time you need to buy or sale something or even going to meet your boss to discuss pay-hike,you better mind these tips.

have a nice day.