We are all sometimes…somewhere placed in a situation when we have to utilize our negotiating skills.  The issue or issues being negotiated may appear simplistic and easy to respond to…but often there are multiple “behind-the-scenes” challenges that only come to light as the discussions/debates of negotiating unfold.

So how do you identify and develop YOUR negotiating skills.  Do you obtain them from parents, bosses, teachers, colleagues….or mostly from experiences?  Yes, again there are helpful seminars on negotiating but have you ever sat down and considered the “art” of Negotiating With Confidence & Class and maybe a TOP 10 list of ideas that may help?!

Well just in case you haven’t given Negotiating With Confidence & Class much thought, this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is just in time to offer a few helpful hints.

1. Minimize the number of major issues addressed at one setting.
2. Be sure you know what YOU want…but don’t show-up with a “decision-made” attitude.
3. Be sure everyone understands the issue the same way/completely/with common grounding.
4. Recognize and appreciate the negotiation responsibilities and skills of others in the session.
5. Listen with both ears and with both eyes.
6. Ask intelligent and respectful questions.
7. Try to NOT allow a “postponement trend” to evolve.
8. Negotiate options that enables everyone to “win” something.
9. Remember negotiated resolution actions must be thoughtful and doable.
10. Finally, never under-respect the importance on how the negotiated decisions impact the future of others.

Negotiating With Confidence & Class may require you to professionally “change chairs” to best understand the positions of others during discussions.  And if you do it well…I promise respect will follow.