What do you do if your team managers need help developing their negotiation skills for win-win outcomes?

1 Assess Needs

Before diving into any training or development program, it's important to assess the specific negotiation needs of your team managers. This involves understanding their current skill levels, identifying areas for improvement, and recognizing the types of negotiations they most frequently engage in. Do they need help with communication, emotional intelligence, strategy, or a combination of these? By pinpointing these areas, you can tailor a development plan that targets their unique requirements and sets the stage for meaningful progress.

2 Training Options

Once you've identified the areas that need attention, explore the various training options available. This could range from in-house workshops led by experienced negotiators to external courses and seminars that offer a more intensive focus on negotiation techniques. Consider also online resources such as webinars and e-learning modules, which can provide flexibility for managers with busy schedules. The key is to choose a training format that aligns with your managers' learning preferences and the specific skills they need to develop.

3 Practice Scenarios

Real-world practice is essential for developing negotiation skills. Create simulated negotiation scenarios that reflect the challenges your managers are likely to face. These role-playing exercises should encourage them to apply the techniques they've learned in a safe environment where they can receive immediate feedback. Encourage them to experiment with different approaches, reflect on what works and what doesn't, and learn to adapt their strategies based on the dynamics of each situation.

4 Feedback Loop

Constructive feedback is a cornerstone of skill development. After your team managers engage in negotiation exercises or real-world negotiations, provide them with specific, actionable feedback. Highlight what they did well and where there's room for improvement. Encourage peer feedback as well; sometimes colleagues can offer insights that are particularly relevant and helpful. This feedback loop helps managers refine their approach and build confidence in their negotiation abilities.

5 Mentorship Pairing

Pairing your managers with mentors who excel in negotiation can be incredibly beneficial. These mentors can share their experiences, offer advice, and serve as sounding boards for ideas. The mentorship relationship should be structured with clear goals and regular check-ins to ensure it remains focused and productive. Through observation and discussion, your managers can learn nuanced negotiation strategies and techniques that are difficult to teach in a classroom setting.

6 Continuous Learning

Negotiation skills are not static; they require continuous refinement and adaptation. Encourage your team managers to stay informed about the latest negotiation strategies and trends by reading relevant books, articles, and industry publications. Additionally, promote an organizational culture that values ongoing learning and development. This not only helps managers keep their negotiation skills sharp but also fosters a mindset of growth and improvement across the team.

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?