jeliya: Where Lion Meets Antelope - The Bargaining Claw: Negotiation (Edition 2)

Greetings, Esteemed Leaders!

We gather once more around the digital watering hole, for today's lesson concerns a skill as vital as the watering hole itself - negotiation.?

In the savanna of African business, deals are not simply struck, they are woven. Here, jeliya, your guide, teaches you the art of the Bargaining Claw.

Imagine a marketplace energised with vibrant fabrics and exotic spices. Savvy merchants, like the lioness protecting her cubs, fiercely guard their profit margins.?

Yet, through careful negotiation, a win-win can be achieved, leaving both parties content.

The Bargaining Claw has five sharpened points.

1. Know Your Territory: Research your counterpart, their strengths and needs. Like the hunter who studies his prey, knowledge is power.
2. Respect is Paramount: Approach negotiations with courtesy, even in the face of strong opposition. A harsh wind may bend the palm tree, but respect is the root that holds it firm.?
3. Start High, Aim Low: Like the eagle soaring above, begin with a strong opening offer, leaving room for concessions. Remember, the wise proverb says, "The early bird catches the worm."
4. Active Listening: More powerful than a warrior's roar is the art of truly hearing your counterpart. Let silence be your shield, attentiveness your weapon.
5. The Art of Concession: Like the gazelle leaping over a thorn bush, be prepared to concede strategically, but never surrender core values. A wise compromise leads to a stronger partnership.

Remember, negotiation is a dance. Read your opponent's body language, anticipate their moves, and respond with grace and strategy.

In future editions, jeliya will explore the other four fingers of effective communication.

• The Lion's Roar: Public Speaking
• The Swift Swallow's Flight: Writing
• The Weaver's Craft: Networking
• The Drummer's Beat: Storytelling

Stay tuned, for the wisdom of the ancestors empowers your leadership journey.

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