We come into contact with people everyday, this is a given. Much of that daily contact is based on us trying to get what we want. Whether it’s our opinions heard in a conversation, or that last parking space in the front of the mall every driver is eyeballing. What does it take to get what we want? NEGOTIATION! In a conversation we generally wait for the other person to stop talking and then we hit them with our ideas or problems; a give and take negotiation. On the other hand there are a couple of ways to tackle the parking dilemma. You can throw out what you learned in driving school, do 50 mph in the parking lot, slam on your breaks, and then turn on your blinker. The preferred choice of South Florida drivers. Or you can negotiate with the other drivers around you. Forget about that parking space and follow a couple who look like their leaving; a clear sign to everyone that wherever they parked is now your spot. John Strelecky, author of “Be a Master Negotiator with Three Simple Steps”, offers some suggestions on how to build on the negotiation skills you already have.
• Step 1: “Know what you want and why you want it”. Basically be prepared. The more you know the stronger your argument will be. The example John offers is knowing exactly how much you want when you ask for a raise. Be precise when you speak, it lets the people around you know you mean business.
• Step 2: “Do Your Research and Have Multiple Options Ready”. Know that if you can’t get exactly what you want you have a back up plan. For example your boss turns you down on the raise you asked for, before you start pouting see what else you can do. “Well I understand my raise in not in the budget this year but how about…”
• Step 3: “Ask What the Other Party Needs and Wants”. Take into consideration what everyone’s goals are. Maybe you can leverage something you have, to get what you want.
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