What do you do if your negotiation tactics aren't working during conflicts?

3 Adjust your tactics

The third step is to adjust your tactics and use different techniques to overcome the obstacles. Depending on the situation, you may need to use more assertive, cooperative, or creative tactics to persuade, influence, or problem-solve with the other party. For example, you may need to use more facts, evidence, or logic to appeal to their rationality, or more stories, emotions, or values to appeal to their feelings. You may also need to use more questions, listening, or feedback to understand their position, or more concessions, incentives, or trade-offs to reach a compromise.

4 Seek help or advice

The fourth step is to seek help or advice from a third party who can offer you support, guidance, or mediation. This can be someone who is neutral, impartial, or trusted by both sides, such as a colleague, a friend, a mentor, or a professional. They can help you gain new insights, perspectives, or skills, or facilitate the dialogue, negotiation, or resolution process. They can also help you cope with stress, frustration, or anger that may affect your performance or well-being.

5 Take a break or walk away

The fifth step is to take a break or walk away from the negotiation if it becomes too difficult, unproductive, or harmful. This can give you time to calm down, reflect, or reevaluate your options. It can also give the other party time to do the same, and signal that you are not desperate, dependent, or submissive. However, you should not use this tactic as a threat, ultimatum, or manipulation, but as a genuine attempt to preserve the relationship and the possibility of future negotiation.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth step is to learn and improve from your negotiation experience, whether it was successful or not. You can do this by reviewing your actions, reactions, and outcomes, and identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. You can also ask for feedback, advice, or suggestions from the other party, a third party, or yourself. By learning and improving, you can enhance your negotiation skills, confidence, and results, and prepare yourself for future conflicts.

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?