Negotiation: The Skill Everyone Needs

This is the second in a series of four blog posts in which I am talking about how “fair play” negotiating techniques can be adapted to everyday use. (insert link to first post with text, Link to first post)

Last week, I asked you to think about how the statement, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” might apply to negotiating. Have you been curious about why I chose that statement? Did you think of any examples in your own life?

If you approach every negotiation or discussion with the mindset of “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” then the outcome of those discussions is much more likely to be satisfactory for everyone.

Am I saying that each person participating in the discussion is going to get everything they want? NO

Am I saying that each person participating in the discussion is going to get immediate satisfaction? NO

Am I saying that the WIN/WIN technique going to be effortless on your part? NO

Negotiating for fair play is not a short-term strategy. It may require you to make short-term sacrifices, give up immediate gratification in certain areas or at certain times, and it may mean that you must use a considerable amount of effort to hold your tongue in check. If you can accomplish these tasks, then you will be able to use the WIN/WIN technique effectively.

THE RULES for the WIN/WIN technique:

1. Make sure all participants know the rules
2. Be flexible (you have goals for what you’d like, but so does the other person)
3. Don’t allow pride or ego to get in the way
4. Always take time to see things from the others person’s point of view
5. Remember, the goal is not to get everything you want, or to have everything go your way. The goal is to reach an agreement that is good for everyone.

Here’s a riddle to think about before next week: What happens to a tree that is stiff and inflexible?