Go in believing it will be a win-win conversation and result. Think about how you want to feel during the experience. Work towards that!

Give yourself permission to walk away if the negotiations ask you to forsake yourself in any way. Nothing is worth your core values and unique brilliance.

When personal goals are on the line in a negotiation, managing emotions is crucial. Start by clarifying your priorities and setting boundaries, so you know what you’re willing to compromise on and what’s non-negotiable. Take deep breaths and focus on staying objective to avoid reactive decisions. Preparing talking points in advance can help you steer the discussion back to facts when emotions rise. It’s also helpful to remind yourself of the bigger picture and maintain a positive mindset, focusing on shared benefits rather than letting stress affect your judgment.

To deal with the emotional effect of a negotiation in which your own ambitions are at stake, practise emotional intelligence by being self-aware and composed. Prepare extensively, emphasising factual arguments and clear objectives. To remain calm, practise deep breathing or mindfulness practices. Separate emotions from the negotiation, and approach matters rationally. Seek help or advice from reliable coworkers to obtain perspective. Maintain your flexibility and willingness to compromise, putting long-term connections ahead of instant outcomes. This balanced approach will keep you successful and composed during the discussion.

When personal goals are at stake in a negotiation, emotions can run high. Here’s a strategy I use to keep grounded and balanced: Prepare Emotionally: Before the conversation, I mentally separate myself from the outcome to focus on facts and options. Reminding myself that it’s about the goals, not personal validation, helps me stay objective. Pause and Breathe: In the moment, I take brief pauses to keep my emotions in check. Small breaks help me refocus on the bigger picture, keeping the discussion constructive. Self-Reflect: Post-negotiation, I reflect on my emotional responses to improve future interactions. This self-awareness is key to understanding and mastering my emotional triggers in high-stakes settings.