How can you use your performance evaluation to improve your negotiation skills?

1 Prepare before the meeting

One of the most important steps to improve your negotiation skills is to prepare before the meeting with your manager. You should review your achievements, challenges, and goals for the past year and document them with evidence and data. You should also research the market rate for your position and industry, and identify your target salary and benefits. Additionally, you should anticipate any potential objections or questions from your manager and prepare your responses. By preparing before the meeting, you will be more confident, persuasive, and assertive in your negotiation.

2 Listen and ask questions

Another tip to improve your negotiation skills is to listen and ask questions during the meeting. You should pay attention to what your manager says about your performance, strengths, and areas of improvement. You should also ask questions to clarify any feedback, expectations, or concerns. By listening and asking questions, you will show your interest, respect, and professionalism, and also gain valuable information that can help you tailor your negotiation strategy and arguments.

3 Highlight your value and impact

A third tip to improve your negotiation skills is to highlight your value and impact during the meeting. You should emphasize how your work contributes to the organization's goals, mission, and vision. You should also quantify your results and achievements, and demonstrate how you have exceeded expectations, solved problems, or added value. By highlighting your value and impact, you will strengthen your case for a raise, a promotion, or a new opportunity, and also show your potential for future growth and development.

5 Follow up after the meeting

A fifth tip to improve your negotiation skills is to follow up after the meeting. You should send a thank-you note to your manager, summarizing the main points of the meeting, the agreed outcomes, and the next steps. You should also keep track of your progress and achievements, and communicate them regularly to your manager. By following up after the meeting, you will show your appreciation, commitment, and accountability, and also reinforce your negotiation results and relationship.

6 Practice and learn

A sixth tip to improve your negotiation skills is to practice and learn from your performance evaluation. You should reflect on what went well and what could be improved in your negotiation process and outcome. You should also seek feedback from your manager, peers, or mentors on your negotiation skills and performance. By practicing and learning from your performance evaluation, you will improve your negotiation skills and confidence, and prepare for future opportunities and challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?