What do you do if your negotiation strategies need improvement?

1 Assess your strengths and weaknesses

The first step to improve your negotiation strategies is to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a negotiator. You can do this by asking for feedback from your peers, clients, or mentors, or by using self-assessment tools such as the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) or the Negotiation Style Profile (NSP). These tools can help you understand your preferred negotiation style, your level of confidence, your communication skills, and your areas of improvement. By knowing yourself better, you can leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

2 Learn from the experts

The second step to improve your negotiation strategies is to learn from the experts. You can do this by reading books, articles, or blogs on negotiation, by watching videos or podcasts of successful negotiators, or by taking online or offline courses or workshops on negotiation. These sources can provide you with valuable insights, tips, and techniques on how to negotiate effectively in different situations and contexts. You can also learn from the experts by observing or shadowing them in action, or by asking them for advice or mentoring.

3 Practice your skills

The third step to improve your negotiation strategies is to practice your skills. You can do this by participating in mock negotiations, role-plays, or simulations, either individually or with a partner or a group. These exercises can help you apply what you have learned, test your assumptions, and improve your performance. You can also practice your skills by seeking out real-life opportunities to negotiate, such as asking for a raise, a promotion, or a discount, or resolving a conflict or a problem. The more you practice, the more confident and competent you will become.

6 Keep learning and growing

The sixth and final step to improve your negotiation strategies is to keep learning and growing. You can do this by staying updated on the latest trends, research, and best practices on negotiation, by joining or creating a network or a community of negotiators, or by seeking out new and challenging negotiation scenarios or projects. By keeping learning and growing, you can continuously develop your negotiation skills, knowledge, and experience, and become a more effective and successful negotiator.

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?