No matter where you are in your career or in the professional world, negotiation is one of the most crucial skills you can hone. Being a savvy negotiator isn’t just about asking for a raise or a higher salary – it is necessary for achieving your goals across all aspects of business and life.
Negotiation is addressed in thousands of business books and seminars. As creative recruiters, we use and observe these skills every day, and we have seen some consistent patterns that separate effective negotiators from the rest.
The CEO and entrepreneur MaryEllen Tribby boils down these commonalities into seven key principles. Here, we’ve further distilled her wisdom – which is consistent with the timeless laws of negotiating – and put it in a broader context.
Remember these seven core ideas, and you too, can get what you want from highly charged negotiations.
1. Visualize Your Desired Outcome
If you have a clear and concrete idea of what you want to get out of a negotiation, you can channel all of your efforts and energies toward that end. Before you take your seat, know what you want, and consider in vivid detail what it will look, sound, and feel like to get it.
2. Do Generous Research
The more you are focused on the other party, the more leverage you will have. Before you converse, find out everything you can about your negotiation partner. Understand what the other person wants to hear, and you can explain your own needs in a way that will resonate powerfully.
3. Listen Closely, and Listen A Lot
High-powered negotiations will put your active listening skills to the test. Rather than “waiting to talk,” stay focused on what the other party is communicating. Ask follow-up questions until everything is crystal clear. This will let them know you are listening and that you value their time and thoughts and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect.
4. Don’t Sell Yourself Short (Or Too High)
Take full objective stock of your own abilities, experience, and everything you bring to the table. You’ve done your homework and you deserve a fair deal, and you respect your own limitations and understand how you are perceived.
5. Stay Positive and Optimistic
If you believe you can and will get what you want, you are more likely to get it – or something better! Most people have a built-in negativity bias – to correct for this, stay upbeat and keep your eyes on the prize. Your infectious attitude may make the other party feel more generous.
6. Business, Never Personal
Keep your ego and emotions safely out of the negotiation, and think of it from the perspective of an outside observer who just wants you to get the best possible deal. Getting less than you want out of a negotiation is simply an opportunity to rethink your approach and be more deliberate and effective in the future.
7. Stay Humble
The best negotiation is one in which both parties get what they want. Resist the urge to gloat, to take advantage, or to take more than you need. You must live with your reputation, and those who remember you as an effective and fair negotiator will be powerful allies in the future.
Building your negotiation skills is a lifelong pursuit. Artisan Creative is here to help you get more in all areas of your professional life. Contact us today to learn more.
Artisan Creative is celebrating 20+ years in staffing and recruitment of creative professionals. Over the years, we’ve learned a thing or two that we’d like to share with you. We hope you enjoy the 434th issue of our weekly a.blog.