Tips on Mastering the Art of Negotiation

Negotiation is defined as the process where individuals try and make a bargain or produce an outcome of a situation that offers benefits to themselves. Negotiation is used in a wide number of situations from parenting to the workplace to relationships. Many individuals use negotiation as a way to get what they want; however, many are not negotiating in an effective way.

The only way that a negotiation technique works is if the parties or person trying to be negotiated is swayed by the items or statements being used in negotiation. There are many individuals who do not take the appropriate steps to think out their negotiation plan before actually implementing it. An individual who does not carefully consider what they plan on saying puts themselves at risk for looking unprofessional or like they are trying to scam the other party.

It may seem a little bit silly, but a majority of professional individuals can effectively negotiate by thinking back to their childhood. It is not exactly known why it happens, but a large number of children, especially teenagers, have successfully negotiated with their parents. It is not uncommon for a child to persuade their parents to extend their curfew or allow them to go to a party that was once refused.

Right now you may be wondering how can negotiating like a teenager work in the business world. The answer requires you to think back to how you may have negotiated with your parents or guardians. Many teenagers develop a plan before speaking to their parents. They usually have their conversations planned out before approaching the situation.

In addition to developing their negotiation speech ahead of times many children are prepared for the answer no. In a way there are many teenagers who expect their parents to say no and this sometimes works to their advantages. Expecting a person to say no allows negotiators to come up with a backup plan or another alternative. Think back to that party you may have wanted to go do, but your parents were against it. Do you remember how many reasons you gave your parents for why you should go?

An effective negotiator will not back down after first being denied or turned away. An experienced negotiator will often not leave the room until they hear the answer that they came for. It is important not to seem pushy, but to seem determined. This may also work well in business because there are a number of employers who like determined workers.

One of the most common situations in the business world that may require negotiation is obtaining a promotion or a raise. There are many hardworking individuals who feel that they deserve a raise; however, many are afraid to speak up to their superiors. Effectively working out a negotiation plan can allow an individual to get that raise or the promotion that they deserve.

There are times to negotiate and then there are times to not. If you are interested in trying to obtain a raise it is important to only do so with your boss present and not an audience. Negotiation is about compromising in a way that you get what you want. It is not about applying additional pressure or intimidation that may come back later to haunt you.

Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory. This means that as a publisher you may reprint the articles that are included in our site, as long as the article is unedited and the author box is included with it's live hyperlinks.