What are some best practices or tips to negotiate and collaborate with others without authority?

What are they trying to accomplish? What problems or worries are they facing? What drives their decision-making process? The key is asking open-ended questions. And then actively listening, with empathy. By genuinely seeking to comprehend their perspective, you will build rapport and trust. And this sets the stage for positive interactions. The other cool thing is that this approach helps you to find common ground and look for potential trade-offs. This is the game-changer. Areas of agreement and areas where compromises can be made pave the way for mutually beneficial outcomes. So take the time to understand the other person's needs and concerns. And by the way, this is a good strategy whether you have authority or not.

I get asked this a lot of times: How can I influence people WITHOUT having authority? There are going to be times when you are going to have to lead people, without having formal authority - you could be working in cross-functional teams, you could be leading people older to you, you could be a lead on a project without being a manager, you might be a consultant on a project, or be required to drive change etc. So how do you lead in such situations? The number 1 thing to do is to build genuine connections: Get to know people. Build your relationships with them, attend events, network, participate in meetings, schedule coffee meets. You need to establish trust by being reliable, honest, and transparent in your interactions.

When negotiating and collaborating with others without authority, communicate clearly and confidently by focusing on building relationships, understanding their perspectives, and finding common ground. Listen actively, ask questions, and express your ideas respectfully. Be open to compromise, highlight mutual benefits, and seek win-win solutions. Use persuasive communication skills, such as storytelling and providing evidence to support your points. Show empathy and build trust by showing genuine interest in others' opinions and acknowledging their contributions. Stay professional, positive, and patient throughout the negotiation process to foster a collaborative and productive environment.

When it's time to share your ideas, proposals, or feedback, clarity and confidence are key. So, what's that look like? First off, stay cool. Avoid jargon and keep things clear. Back up your points with examples to drive your message home. Don't skip this: Focus on the value. Show you want to find common ground and mutual success. And be ready to tackle questions and objections head-on. Clear up any confusion and address concerns with confidence. Lastly, don't forget non-verbal cues. Don't underestimate the impact a little eye contact, nodding, and a friendly smile make. So, next time you communicate your ideas or feedback, remember to be clear, confident, and ready to engage.

Negotiating and collaborating without authority is all about flexibility and creativity. But it's not as hard as you might think. I mean, you might not have the power to call all the shots but stay open to different perspectives and suggestions. Leave your rigid or unrealistic expectations at the door. Remember to aim for win-win outcomes. Look for ways that both parties walk away with something valuable. You'll hit roadblocks, so be ready to find a way to break through resistance or a deadlock. Sometimes, a little compromise goes a long way. When negotiating and collaborating without authority, be flexible, be creative, be ready to create a win-win.

In my experience, I have often seen that when people give constructive feedback it is done in a lot of detail, with specifics and facts; however, when giving appreciation there is rarely much detail. "Great work done on the project, keep it up". However, if something had gone wrong in the project that would have been a far more detailed response. So, if I really want people to feel acknowledged and appreciated it becomes important for me to detail what I am acknowledging & appreciating them for. Eg: "Thanks for the great work done on the project, I really appreciate the way you communicated with the different stakeholders during a critical phase of the project. The way you took ownership of the situation, worked towards a solution...."

How to lead WITHOUT authority? 1. Collaborate and support: Contrary to what you think, building influence is ALL about collaborating with others. You should be willing to support others in their tasks and projects and give credit where it's due. People are more likely to help you if you have helped them first. 2. Show Integrity: In your work and work ethic - Demonstrate the behaviours and standards you expect from others - be punctual, professionalism and consistent in your actions and decisions. People are more likely to follow someone they respect. 3. Communicate and Listen: Hear others out. Listen more than you speak. Understand others' needs, concerns, and ideas. Show empathy and acknowledge the emotions and perspectives of others.