Three potential pitfalls on your way to becoming a better negotiator!

If you consider yourself to be on a path to become a better negotiator I congratulate you as you are about to radically change the way you perceive the world, yes you read right, as well as maximising the potential for both personal and professional success!

However, despite the best of efforts it’s not uncommon that people find it difficult when transferring the theoretical knowledge from a course or a book into real life scenarios. Researchers at Harvard University have found three main reasons for why you might be struggling:

1. Be ready to make mistakes

Let’s face it, trying something new can be uncomfortable. And when you’re new to something it is likely that you will make mistakes, something most people does not feel comfortable with, especially when it comes to a work setting.

My suggestion in this case is to instead try your newfound knowledge in a safe setting like your family or with friends. The beauty of proper negotiation techniques is that they work as well there as in the office or anywhere else for that matter.

2. Take a proactive approach

It’s easy to be lured into the “trap” of listening to a keynote speaker talking about a specific topic, like negotiation for instance, and conclude that many wise points were made and then leave it at that. What is key is to take those points and connect the dots to the negotiation situations you are facing. To take the time and reflect on how that specific point apply to that particular negotiation you had the other day.

3. Continuously practice your new skills

It goes without saying, but still a reminder is in order. Without continuously practicing your new skills you will not be able to master them, practice make perfect as the old saying goes. And it could not be more true when it comes to the field of negotiation and conflict management. It takes time and a lot of effort to instinctively be able to read the room and know which buttons to push.

So be aware of these pitfalls and challenge yourself to overcome them and your negotiating future will look a lot brighter!