“It’s appraisal season! How do I develop my negotiation skills?”

Developing negotiation skills is important for both personal and professional success. Appraisal season is a good time to start building these skills. A master negotiator never feels shortchanged at the end of a deal and is happy with the agreed terms. But getting there takes clear thinking, assertive communication and knowing how much flexibility you can afford to have.

Tips for building negotiation skills

Here are some tips for improving your negotiation skills, you can apply them to your personal as well as professional lives!

1. Practice active listening: Pay close attention to the other person's words and body language to understand their perspective.

2. Prepare thoroughly: Research the topic, anticipate questions and concerns, and prepare your arguments and counter-arguments.

3. Set goals and boundaries: Identify your ideal outcome and be clear about your limits and boundaries.

4. Remain calm and composed: Stay focused and avoid reacting emotionally during the negotiation process. A rational mind is essential for a good closure.

5. Use effective communication: Be clear and concise in your communication, and use language that is respectful and professional.

6. Offer creative solutions: Brainstorm alternative solutions that can benefit both parties and help reach a mutually beneficial agreement. For eg: perks and benefits instead of a cash increment while negotiating for a new job.

7. Practice role-playing: Engage in mock negotiations with a friend or colleague to practice your skills and gain confidence.

8. Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from others who have experience in negotiation and be open to constructive criticism.

9. Read books and attend training sessions: There are many resources available to help you improve your negotiation skills, including books, online courses, and workshops.

Some useful resources for learning negotiation skills

There are many great resources available for learning negotiation skills, including books, podcasts, and courses. Here are some recommendations based on popularity - no we are not paid to mention any of the below here:

Books

• "Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In" by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton

• "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It" by Chris Voss

• "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

• "The Art of Negotiation: How to Improvise Agreement in a Chaotic World" by Michael Wheeler

Podcasts

• "Negotiate Anything" with Kwame Christian

• "The Psychology of Money" with Morgan Housel (includes episodes on negotiation)

• "HBR Ideacast" (includes episodes on negotiation and communication)

Online Courses

• "Negotiation Mastery" on Coursera (taught by Harvard Business School Professor Deepak Malhotra)

• "The Art of Negotiation" on Udemy (taught by Chris Croft)

• "Negotiation Skills" on LinkedIn Learning (taught by Lisa Gates)

Remember that negotiation is a skill that can be developed over time with practice and experience. By being prepared, clear, respectful, and creative, you can improve your negotiation skills and achieve better outcomes in both personal and professional situations.