Conquer Your Inner Imposter: Mastering Negotiations when Self-doubt Sets In Part II

Hi everyone,

Welcome back to another edition of Negotiation Matters. In this edition, we'll discuss practical strategies and tactics to bolster your negotiation skills and silence your inner critic. We'll also build on the previous edition, where we delved into identifying and challenging self-defeating thoughts.

Confidence Boosting Preparation

Imposter syndrome can make you feel nervous and unprepared, especially when negotiating something important. But don't worry, preparation is the key to success. Here are some things you can do to get ready:

• Do your homework.?Find out everything you can about the situation, such as market standards and trends, your unique value proposition, what you bring to the table, and your strengths and weaknesses. The more you know, the more confident you will feel.
• Know what you want.?Identify your goals, dealbreakers, and what you're willing to accept. Rank your priorities and be flexible on the less important ones.
• Strategize.?Think of a clear strategy to achieve your goals during the negotiation. Prepare for different outcomes and have backup plans.
• Practice.?Practice your communication skills and how to handle objections. Try out some mock negotiations with a friend or a colleague.

Building Rapport and Fostering Collaboration

One way to overcome imposter syndrome is to build a good relationship with the other person at the negotiation table. This can make the negotiation more pleasant and productive.

• ?Actively listen.?Show genuine interest in the other party's perspective by asking questions, summarizing their points, and giving verbal feedback. Use their name, look them in the eye, and listen without interrupting.
• Suspend judgment.?Find common ground. Look for shared interests, values, or goals that matter to both of you. This will help you build trust and rapport, making the negotiation easier and serving as a foundation for collaboration.
• Stay respectful and professional.?Treat your counterpart respectfully, and avoid initiating or reciprocating aggressive or confrontational behavior that could damage the relationship.
• Use collaborative language.?Use pronouns like "we," "us," and "our" to show that you're on the same side and that you have a shared goal. This will make the other person more willing to cooperate and compromise with you.

Remembering Your Worth and Knowing When to Walk Away

Sometimes, you might feel tempted to settle for less than you deserve. Maybe you think that you're not qualified enough or that you're asking for too much. That's your inner imposter talking, and you need to ignore it.

It's also important to know when to walk away from a negotiation. This is especially true for those grappling with imposter syndrome and might feel compelled to accept less than favorable conditions.

• ?Determine your BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement).?This is the action plan you'd execute if your current negotiation fails, making an agreement unlikely. Understanding your BATNA helps you identify the minimum acceptable offer and provides leverage during a negotiation.
• Establish boundaries.?Never compromise on your core values or principles. Be clear about your limits - what you're willing to give up and what you expect in return.
• Be assertive.?Stand firm for your interests and articulate them clearly and confidently. Remember to be polite yet firm when rejecting proposals that do not meet your needs or expectations. Avoid letting fear or guilt deter you from declining unsatisfactory offers or asking for more.

?By integrating these strategies, I hope you'll be equipped to navigate any negotiation, even when your inner critic plays up the volume. We're on this journey together, and remember, every step forward is a victory over imposter syndrome.

?Until next time, happy negotiating!

SBL

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