How can you demonstrate your negotiation skills to stakeholders?

1 Prepare strategically

Before you enter any negotiation, you need to do your homework. Research the background, goals, needs, and preferences of your stakeholders, as well as the alternatives, risks, and opportunities of the situation. Identify your own objectives, priorities, and limits, as well as the common ground and potential trade-offs. Prepare a clear and concise proposal that outlines the benefits and costs of your preferred option, and anticipate the possible objections and questions from your stakeholders. By preparing strategically, you will show that you respect your stakeholders and have a solid understanding of the context and the value proposition.

3 Communicate clearly

Another key aspect of demonstrating your negotiation skills is communicating clearly with your stakeholders. This means expressing your ideas, expectations, and interests in a confident, respectful, and polite manner. Use positive and constructive language, and avoid jargon, ambiguity, or exaggeration. Provide evidence and examples to support your claims, and acknowledge the validity and value of your stakeholders' views. Use non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, gestures, and tone, to reinforce your message and rapport. By communicating clearly, you will show that you are professional, credible, and trustworthy.

4 Collaborate creatively

One of the main goals of negotiation is to find a mutually beneficial solution that satisfies the interests and needs of all stakeholders. To achieve this, you need to collaborate creatively with your stakeholders. This means exploring different options, generating new ideas, and seeking feedback and input from your stakeholders. Focus on the problem, not the person, and avoid blaming, criticizing, or imposing your views. Use brainstorming, problem-solving, and decision-making techniques to facilitate the process and reach a consensus. By collaborating creatively, you will show that you are flexible, adaptable, and innovative.

5 Manage conflicts

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may encounter conflicts or disagreements with your stakeholders during the negotiation. This is normal and inevitable, but you need to manage them effectively. This means staying calm, respectful, and objective, and avoiding emotional reactions or personal attacks. Try to understand the root causes and sources of the conflict, and address them constructively. Use assertive communication, active listening, and empathy to de-escalate the tension and restore trust. Seek common ground, compromise, and win-win solutions, and avoid ultimatums, threats, or coercion. By managing conflicts, you will show that you are resilient, mature, and diplomatic.

6 Follow up

The last step of demonstrating your negotiation skills is following up with your stakeholders after the negotiation. This means confirming the agreement, the actions, and the responsibilities in writing, and thanking your stakeholders for their participation and cooperation. Monitor the progress and the outcomes of the agreement, and provide feedback and support as needed. Address any issues or changes that may arise, and celebrate the achievements and the value created. By following up, you will show that you are reliable, accountable, and committed.