You’re interested in being a better negotiator. What’s the first step to take?

1 Assess your strengths and weaknesses

The first step to becoming a better negotiator is to assess your strengths and weaknesses. How confident are you in your negotiation skills? What are your preferred styles and strategies? What are the areas that you need to improve or learn? To answer these questions, you can use self-assessment tools, feedback from others, or past experiences. By identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can leverage your assets and work on your gaps.

2 Learn the basics of negotiation

The second step to becoming a better negotiator is to learn the basics of negotiation. Negotiation is not just about haggling or bargaining. It's a complex process that involves planning, communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building. To negotiate effectively, you need to understand the key concepts and principles of negotiation, such as interests, positions, options, alternatives, criteria, and power. You also need to know the different types of negotiation, such as distributive, integrative, or mixed-motive, and how to adapt to different situations and contexts.

3 Practice your skills

The third step to becoming a better negotiator is to practice your skills. Negotiation is a skill that can be improved with practice and feedback. You can practice your skills by finding opportunities to negotiate in your daily life, such as with your family, friends, or colleagues. You can also practice your skills by participating in simulations, role-plays, or case studies that mimic real-world scenarios. By practicing your skills, you can gain confidence, experience, and insight into your negotiation behavior and outcomes.

4 Study the best practices

The fourth step to becoming a better negotiator is to study the best practices. Negotiation is a skill that can be learned from others who have mastered it. You can study the best practices by reading books, articles, or blogs that share tips, techniques, or stories from successful negotiators. You can also study the best practices by watching videos, podcasts, or webinars that demonstrate or explain how to negotiate effectively. By studying the best practices, you can learn from the experts and apply their wisdom to your own situations.

5 Seek feedback and coaching

The fifth step to becoming a better negotiator is to seek feedback and coaching. Negotiation is a skill that can be enhanced with feedback and coaching. You can seek feedback and coaching by asking for input from your peers, mentors, or managers who have observed or participated in your negotiations. You can also seek feedback and coaching by hiring a professional coach or trainer who can offer you personalized advice and guidance. By seeking feedback and coaching, you can get constructive criticism and support to improve your performance.

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?