What are the top negotiation strategies?

Whether or not things go according to plan, the best way to come out on top during negotiations is to practice diplomacy. Especially when it comes to the concept of saving face. When negotiations are done in a way that prevents embarrassment for everyone involved, it’s easier to navigate the exchange of ideas. Negotiation Expert Mladen Kresic explains that “Face is a person’s standing in the eyes of others. In negotiations, saving face means using courtesy to avoid humiliating the participants in a negotiation. If people experience aggressive confrontation, negotiations can quickly deteriorate. However, giving someone ‘face’ makes them feel good, and helps form good business relationships.”

How to overcome problems?

Here are a few tips on how to negotiate courteously:

1) Don’t Aim for Victory, Aim for Consensus

Most people are trained to treat negotiations like miniature battles.  They use analogies of war and obsess about winning or losing.  It’s far more productive to focus on agreement.  Build consensus instead of getting lost in meaningless competition.

2) Appeal to What You Have in Common

The more people have in common, the more receptive they are to one another.  Striking up a sense of similarity helps to break the ice.

3) Smile

There’s nothing more irresistible in the universe than a warm smile.  Anytime you engage in a negotiation, use politeness to create a good impression.

4) Interact on Neutral Ground

Environment has a big impact on people’s mood and demeanour.  If you have a choice to control where a negotiation happens, do it in a conducive environment.

5) Be Respectful

Rude and abrasive behavior during negotiation is a complete turn off.  It can antagonize your counterpart by offending them.  If you’re going to negotiate, be prepared to exercise restraint.  Don’t allow negative thoughts or feelings to provoke destructive behavior.

Conclusion

Depending on what’s at stake, bargaining during a negotiation can feel intense. But regardless of how much emotions flare up, there’s nothing to be gained from hostility. Courteous negation always creates a stable atmosphere. When it’s easier for people to save face, it’s easier for dialogue to produce agreement. If you like what you just read from our blog, you’ll love the various informative courses, workshops and events listed on our websites and social media. Whether you’re interested in personal development, or overall improvement of your business, give us a call at 1 (888) 823-7757 to find out how The RISE Academy can help you break past your daily struggles and start soaring in success. For business development coaching by Richard Martinez, call at 626-202-2291 or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.