Conflict can be rife in the business world. It’s important for entrepreneurs to learn negotiation styles that promote collaboration and avoid conflict. Conflict thrives when both teams are looking for that competitive edge. Just one person taking a combative approach can send negotiations spiraling into conflict.
Which negotiation styles to use depends on what is at stake. By searching “negotiation classes near me,” and by reading this article, you’ll find advice on the different approaches to collaboration for successful outcomes.
Prioritize Others’ Needs
How to prioritize the needs of the other side is one of the most useful negotiation class skills to have in your toolkit. You will do well to utilize this approach when meeting with a prospect who is too valuable to lose.
While you should also try to make sure your own needs are met, making concessions and giving up some value may prove to be beneficial in the long run.
So, when might an entrepreneur take this approach? It could be for a business merger or when meeting a large client. Working with such clients may help you gain ground in the business world. Prioritizing the other negotiator’s needs could mean you come away from your meeting with stronger business ties and chances for future collaboration.
Conciliation is Key
Another useful negotiation tip is knowing the place conciliation has in discussions. Negotiation classes often explore how to use conciliation to mediate agreements. Conciliation differs from prioritizing others’ needs. In the latter, you are willing to give up some of your comfort to bring other business interests to the table. With conciliation, both sides give up an equal share of comfort, and the result can benefit both.
This style works best in a level playing field. You could use this approach when meeting with a representative of a business with the same industry clout or leverage as you. Prioritizing others seeks the bigger fish, while conciliation plays to a similar level as your own.
Working Together
Negotiation students learn that working together can be a complicated affair. Successful collaboration can depend on the temperament of the other negotiator and how much overlap exists in shared goals.
Trainers generally advise entrepreneurs to figure out how what is in the best interests of both teams and to act quickly to achieve those goals.
Working together avoids sacrificing comfort. Collaboration guides both sides toward what is in the best interests of both sides. This approach also allows you to come up with new solutions to problems.
Working together can certainly be more time-consuming than other negotiation styles. However, the payoff is often worth the effort.
To Sum Up
The best outcome for a collaborative negotiation is a solution that benefits both teams in some way. The extent to which win-win outcomes can be achieved depends on the circumstances.
Knowing which collaborative approach to use is an incredibly useful training skill. Mastering these approaches gives entrepreneurs like you the best chance at achieving results that benefit your success.