the art of negotiation

The streets of Marrakesh with a friend, Indian street vendors, country antique shows, nanny’s salaries, work contracts etc. Negotiation is everywhere, and I have to say that I was always afraid to do it. I don’t feel comfortable asking and hence I don’t get what I want. Overtime, that has changed. I can negotiate a better deal in most circumstances. I find that its not the final deal that counts, but really the process. Some deals may take multiple steps, others can be done at once. Going into a negotiation requires a mindset of compromise and compassion on each side. Sometimes one side cannot do this, and that makes it harder but not impossible. I always try to have all the facts, on both sides and try to understand the process of each participant. It has helped a lot to stay objective in front of a problem that needs to be solved and not become emotional in a war that needs to be won. Framing is everything. I don’t have all the answers but take heart, its a skill that can be learned, I am learning and hence so can you. A good resource that I go back to regularly is the Harvard Business Review. Search for articles on negotiation, they have something for everyone.