Beginning a Negotiation

“I will let you feed me fruits if you let me watch my TV show.”  – a simple statement from a 5-year old, in response to my request that she eat more fruits and watch less TV.

Children naturally learn to negotiate early in life and they seem to get most of what they negotiate for. Not only do they have an innate understanding of their needs, but they try to capitalise on adults’ willingness to fulfil those needs.  This skill of negotiation does not become “unlearned” as children grow up; it gets pushed back and replaced with “socially acceptable” behaviour.

Just like the 5-year-old, all people engage in negotiations daily even without being aware that they are doing so. Although people often think of business or real estate deals when they hear the word “negotiation”, the truth is that we negotiate all the time – with family, friends, colleagues, managers, clients, suppliers, and even people we don’t know.

Please, don’t get me wrong: I am not suggesting you walk into your next business negotiation, drop to the floor and start screaming and kicking while demanding that your opponent give in to your demands.  What I am saying is that negotiation is something we are naturally born with.  It was necessary for our survival throughout mankind’s history. We need to harness our natural abilities by using our strengths and the right tools to become the negotiators we are intended to be.

Here you will find strategies, tools and information for effective negotiation in your life.  All this in plain English!  For help with coaching, training, and general negotiation in your life, contact us.

Happy negotiating.