How can you develop your empathy skills for negotiation?
Negotiation
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Empathy is often an overlooked skill when it comes to negotiation. But empathy, or the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, can be a powerful tool in a negotiator's arsenal.
When you're able to empathize with the other side, you're better able to understand their point of view, anticipate their concerns and foresee potential barriers to agreement. It can also help you build a rapport and establish trust. Here are a few ways to start:
Work on being a good listener
Showing empathy starts with being open and receptive to what the other side is saying. By really listening, without interrupting or imposing your own agenda, you're signaling that you value their perspective and want to understand their experience.
Be curious
When you're engaged in a negotiation, ask questions in order to better understand the other side's point of view. Dig deeper to find out what motivates them, what concerns they have and why they believe certain outcomes are important.
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Avoid judging
When you're trying to empathize with the other side, it's important to stay nonjudgmental. This is especially important when you're negotiating with someone whose values or viewpoints differ from yours. Avoid jumping to conclusions or making assumptions, and instead, focus on understanding the other side, even if you don't ultimately agree.
Put yourself in someone else's shoes
By imagining the situation from the other side's perspective, you can gain a better understanding of their motivations, emotions, and concerns. Consider how you would feel if you were in their position and use that knowledge to help guide your negotiation strategy.
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This article was edited by LinkedIn News Editor Anamaria Silic and was curated leveraging the help of AI technology.
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1 年Ask why 3 times. First time people will tell you what they want you to think. Second time they will tell you what they think you want to hear. Third time they will tell you what they really feel. That’s one way
President & CEO at Argus Community, Inc.| PhD, Operations Expert, Turnaround Specialist, Innovator
1 年In negotiations, they often state both sides leave, having a sense that they both won and lost. It's a give and take. Empathy allows you to understand what will leave the other side feeling that they got a win. Also, conveying empathy can make the negotiations less acrimonious and allow breathing room to find commonality.
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1 年Empathy is so vital to everyday life. I have learned through my journeys in life to listen carefully to people. Understand their words and where they are in their life. You have to meet people where they are and never make them feel you are above them. Someone always has a worse situation than you. Open your heart and be kind.
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1 年Empathy is a losing tactic in negotiating fair and balanced terms and conditions in a construction contract. Listening is good, and should be practiced, but having titanium in your negotiating backbone is much better.
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1 年In my opinion empathy in negotiation is very important. You have to remember that we are all humans first before, business professionals. Humbling oneself in any negotiation leads to greater results because you aren't just considering your needs but the collective needs essential to making sound decisions or progress.