Never use the word you, as it puts people on the defensive. Always, listen and be curious. Ask what the goal is. Offer options so they can feel like they were able to be part of the solution and if someone is just taking their bad day out of you. Remind yourself you don’t know what’s happening in their world and it is best to be kind but assertive

Bien faire le distinguo entre la relation et le différend. Rester doux dans la relation. L’entretenir avec de l’empathie pour la personne. En parallèle rester ferme sur la défense de ses intérêts tout en comprenant et soignant les intérêts de l’autre. Et faire preuve d’imagination pour tacher d’agrandir le gateau ensemble afin de converger vers un accord gagnant gagnant.

In tough contract negotiations, maintaining professionalism is essential. Here’s my approach: Listen and Validate: I actively listen and acknowledge the other party's concerns, which helps build trust and ease tension. Focus on Data: I steer the conversation back to facts, using data to ground the discussion, keeping emotions in check. Stay Calm and Confident: My body language and tone remain steady, projecting calmness and inviting collaboration. Keep Perspective: I focus on achieving a balanced outcome, reminding myself of the bigger relationship. How do you handle high-stakes negotiations?

Everyone wants to feel like they have "won" in a negotiation, especially "tough" stakeholders. Listen to what they are saying/asking for and figure out what you can concede that does not cost you much. This way you both win - they get something else that doesn't cost you much.