How can you move towards a win-win outcome?
Negotiation
Perspectives from experts on the questions that matter to improve your negotiation skills.
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When it comes to negotiation, a win-win outcome is often seen as the gold standard. Achieving this type of outcome means that both sides walk away satisfied and that no one feels like they've lost out. While it isn't always possible to achieve a win-win outcome, there are steps you can take to move towards this goal:
Understand the other side's interests
Understanding the other side's objectives is key to achieving a win-win outcome. By knowing what they want, you can work together to find common ground and craft solutions that address both of your needs. If you only focus on your own interests, you're unlikely to reach a mutually beneficial solution.
“In every negotiation there is one side you must know better than the rest - you! So, start with understanding what you want, what you are willing to give up, and what is non-negitiable. You can change them if conditions change, but only thoughtfully.”
—Ozzie Paez is an author and business consultant.
Communicate openly
To find common ground, both sides need to express their interests, concerns, and goals. Make sure to pay attention to the other side's body language, tone of voice and facial expressions – not just what they say – to better understand where they're coming from.
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Be creative
Creativity is key to finding ways to make both sides happy. If you're stuck on one particular solution or demand, you won’t be able to reach the optimal outcome. By thinking creatively and brainstorming alternatives, you can find a solution that gets both sides most of what they want.
Be open to compromise
You need to be open to different outcomes to achieve a win-win for both parties. This doesn't mean giving in to the other side's demands – it means working together to negotiate a resolution that respects both of your interests.?
Stay professional
Lastly, make sure to stay professional throughout the negotiation. This means staying respectful, refraining from personal attacks and being cooperative. Negotiations can be emotional, but if you can control your emotions and stay focused on the goal of reaching a positive outcome, you'll have a better chance of success.
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This article was edited by LinkedIn News Editor Anamaria Silic and was curated leveraging the help of AI technology.
I help leaders use negotiation and conflict skills to boost effectiveness | Speaker | Trainer | Facilitator | Coach | Expert in creating Positive Conflict Cultures
2 年Firstly, I think it’s a fallacy that a win-win outcome is the gold standard in negotiations. This is a widely held view, but it doesn’t take negotiation objectives into account. In some negotiations (like a highly competitive, distributive negotiation), a win-win would not deliver the outcome I’m seeking. In other types of negotiations, for instance when the relationship matters more than the outcome, I may make substantial concessions that don’t reflect a win-win in order to preserve the relationship. In a negotiation where a win-win truly is the desired outcome, one of my favourite tactics is to harness the power of reciprocity. People feel obliged to reciprocate when someone gives us something; for example, we feel obligated to buy gifts or a meal for someone if they have bought something for us. In a negotiation seeking a win-win outcome, if you offer a small concession, the other party may give you an important concession in return.
To achieve a Win-Win, you must understand your customer, and in particular the person who makes the decision (not always the one you are sitting in front of) Purchasing want discounts to prove their performance, you want longevity or extended contracts. Customers want assurance of performance, offer service to back a guarantee, good service leads to another order
Consulting Sales Manager | OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, OK
2 年From my experience, every client I’ve encountered prefers assertive directness. That customer service voice and friendliness is nice, but what are they really dealing with or walking into? They are trusting you with something that’s very important to them. Are you truly listening to their needs & having an honest conversation regarding their expectations & what their final bill will look like in the end? I sell true experience & whatever we discuss, I deliver. Trust is everything & that’s more valuable to me as the revenue follows & will always be solid when you’re treating people with much dignity & respect. I want for them to always count on me. My job is to take off stress & responsibility roles from my clients. I want for them to have a very memorable, positive experience. That is always my goal, & because my focus is simply, always on that, it makes the entire process a lot easier. Just be real & be kind to everyone. Not meaning to accept abuse, because believe me, if it gets to that, I also have no problem having a real honest conversation with my clients regarding how I feel. I’m also human. But that honesty part? That’s what grasps their attention. Always find a connection to break the ice but please, don’t be weird ??
Helping business leaders accomplish the extraordinary.
2 年To increase the likelihood of a win-win, explore how to give the other side what they need under conditions which would also work for your side.