Have you considered how succinctly your negotiation efforts should be, depending on the environment in which you negotiate? In a negotiation, there are many strategies that one can adopt, to achieve the outcome that’s being sought. If time is a factor, there is a low level of interest on behalf of the other negotiator, or if there is a need to deliver your proposal ‘crisply’, then you should consider how to negotiate succinctly; brevity has its place in some negotiations. (Remember, you’re always negotiating. Thus, the negotiation starts before you set down at the ‘negotiation table’.)
What are your thoughts and ‘best practices’ when attempting to be succinct in your negotiations? I’d like to hear them.
If you’d like to glean additional knowledge and discover new techniques that you use in your negotiation efforts, read the 5 quick tips below.
1. Tailor your words to match the level of understanding of the person with whom you’re negotiating. While every negotiation should be tailored to match the party with whom you’re negotiating, you should take greater efforts to do so when you’re bound by constraints.
2. Genuinely match the style and modality of the other negotiator, in order to enhance the bonding process. By doing so and being authentic, you’ll convey genuine concern for her well being in the negotiation, which should ingratiate you to her. Caution: Do not allow your actions to be perceived as weakness.
3. Be less fastidious during the negotiation by exhibiting more of a willingness to cooperate. Balance the attitude you display against the outcome you seek. Caution: You may experience negative ramifications if you display what is perceived to be a ‘too willingness to get the deal attitude’.
4. Paint pictures with your words. Not only will pictures convey larger meanings with some negotiators, they can also be a better way to express your sentiments when you’re being succinct.
5. Be more astutely aware of body language (yours and that of the other negotiator) and micro expressions (the conveyance displayed in a facial or body gesture that last for less than one second). You’ll gain very important knowledge pertaining to the perception of your actions, offers, and counteroffers. Such insight will allow you to adjust your position quicker.
There are many variables in a negotiation. If you ‘mess-up’ during the negotiation, display you sincerity by apologizing quickly. Everyone is human and we all make mistakes. Don’t allow your mistake to become the mistake that mistakenly kills the negotiation. If you apologize and have it perceived as being sincere, you’ll be forgiven and you won’t be labeled as someone out to ‘get you’… and everything will be right with the world.
The Negotiation Tips Are…
· As you negotiate, don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability, if brevity disallows you from being succinct. When matched against a negotiator that will not disadvantage you for doing so (be cautious about doing so with a negotiator that adopts a ‘win-lose mentality), you’ll engender her willingness to help you.
· When negotiating with some negotiators, speak pictorially to be succinct and you’ll ‘connect’ with them more effectively.
· Don’t be cursed by your negotiation knowledge or lack of when it comes to being succinct in your negotiations. Sincerity should be the only precursor.