No matter what is being discussed, the potential reasons for any type of negotiation failing are endless. In the workplace, however, being able to settle on a win-win solution in any situation—from asking for a salary increase to working out the finer details of a business partnership to getting a new client to sign a contract—is essential to finding success.
To advance in their careers, every professional can learn how to approach negotiations in a way that ensures the best possible outcome, no matter the circumstances. Here, members of Forbes Coaches Council discuss 14 skills that every successful negotiator needs.
6. Active Listening
Negotiation is intended to find the best outcome for both parties. To effectively find what that is, you need to listen to truly understand their perspective. What are their motivations? Their drivers? Their needs? Their non-negotiables? When you are focused on what your next point or question will be, you may miss the critical information you need. – Kristy Busija, Next Conversation Coaching, LLC