The Key to Successful Negotiations

We find ourselves in the position of having to negotiate just about every day—at work, on a trip, in a relationship, with your kids, at a restaurant. How do you approach these negotiations? You wouldn’t be alone if you said that you stake out your position and try to bend the other party to make concessions. However, you might be surprised to learn that the most important thing you can do is to understand and value the other person. For that to happen, you have to ask a lot of questions and listen carefully. Not many people do that. If you don’t listen to them, they won’t listen to you. Negotiations often become a power play, with both sides using intimidating and threatening tactics.

Here are some strategic “do’s” and “don’ts” that will get you through your next negotiation: