What do you do if your negotiation skills are not advancing your career?

1 Identify your strengths and weaknesses

The first step to improve your negotiation skills is to understand your current level of competence and confidence. You can do this by reflecting on your past and present negotiation experiences, asking for feedback from others, or taking a self-assessment tool. Some of the aspects you can evaluate are your communication style, your emotional intelligence, your problem-solving ability, and your ethical standards. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can focus on the areas that need more improvement and leverage the ones that give you an edge.

3 Practice in low-stakes situations

The third step to improve your negotiation skills is to practice in low-stakes situations. You can do this by finding opportunities to negotiate in your daily life, such as with your family, friends, or colleagues, or by simulating negotiation scenarios with a partner or a mentor. Some of the benefits of practicing in low-stakes situations are that you can test your skills and strategies, get immediate feedback, and learn from your mistakes without risking too much. By practicing in low-stakes situations, you can build your confidence and competence and prepare for high-stakes situations.

4 Adapt to different contexts

The fourth step to improve your negotiation skills is to adapt to different contexts. You can do this by researching and understanding the needs, interests, and expectations of the other party, the culture and norms of the industry or organization, and the goals and constraints of the situation. Some of the factors you can consider are the power balance, the relationship, the time frame, and the alternatives. By adapting to different contexts, you can tailor your approach and tactics and increase your chances of reaching a mutually beneficial outcome.

5 Ask for feedback and follow up

The fifth step to improve your negotiation skills is to ask for feedback and follow up. You can do this by soliciting constructive criticism from the other party, your peers, or your superiors, by reviewing and analyzing the negotiation process and outcome, and by implementing and monitoring the agreed actions and terms. Some of the questions you can ask are what went well and what could have been done better, what did you learn and what do you need to improve, and how can you maintain and improve the relationship with the other party. By asking for feedback and follow up, you can evaluate your performance and progress and identify areas for further improvement.

6 Keep learning and improving

The sixth step to improve your negotiation skills is to keep learning and improving. You can do this by setting SMART goals for your negotiation development, by seeking new challenges and opportunities to negotiate, and by staying updated and informed on the latest trends and developments in negotiation. Some of the resources you can use are online communities, networks, or forums on negotiation, professional associations or organizations on negotiation, or mentors or coaches on negotiation. By keeping learning and improving, you can enhance your negotiation skills and advance your career.

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?