How do you prepare for a salary negotiation meeting after a conflict with your client or stakeholder?

1 Assess the situation

Before you request a salary negotiation meeting, you need to assess the situation and the impact of the conflict on your work and relationship. How serious was the conflict? How did you resolve it? How did it affect your performance, reputation, and trust? How did it affect the client's or stakeholder's satisfaction, expectations, and needs? Answering these questions can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the negotiation process.

2 Research the market

Another important step in preparing for a salary negotiation meeting is to research the market and benchmark your value. You need to know what the average salary range is for your role, industry, location, and experience level. You also need to know what the current demand and supply are for your skills, and what the trends and challenges are in your field. This can help you justify your salary expectations and show how you can add value to the client or stakeholder.

3 Set your goals and priorities

Once you have assessed the situation and researched the market, you need to set your goals and priorities for the salary negotiation meeting. You need to decide what is the minimum, target, and maximum salary that you would accept, and what are the other benefits or incentives that you would consider. You also need to prioritize your goals and be flexible and realistic about what you can achieve. You need to balance your interests with the client's or stakeholder's interests and constraints.

4 Plan your strategy and tactics

After setting your goals and priorities, you need to plan your strategy and tactics for the salary negotiation meeting. You need to decide when, where, and how to initiate the meeting, and who to involve or consult. You also need to prepare your arguments and evidence to support your salary request, and anticipate the possible objections or counteroffers from the client or stakeholder. You need to practice your communication skills and body language, and prepare some questions and scenarios to test the waters and build rapport.

5 Manage your emotions and expectations

Finally, you need to manage your emotions and expectations before and during the salary negotiation meeting. You need to acknowledge and address any negative feelings or thoughts that may arise from the previous conflict, and focus on the positive aspects and outcomes of the negotiation. You also need to be confident, respectful, and professional, and avoid being defensive, aggressive, or emotional. You need to listen actively, empathize, and collaborate with the client or stakeholder, and seek a win-win solution.

6 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?