Make Negotiating Easier By Approaching It As ‘Joint Problem Solving’

Make Negotiating Easier By Approaching It As ‘Joint Problem Solving’

For some people, negotiating comes naturally. For the rest of us, it can feel intimidating, awkward and slightly confrontational. If this rings true for you, and you have trouble negotiating, try approaching it as “joint problem solving” instead.

Photo by Flazingo Photos

Harvard Business Review says that approaching a negotiation as a confrontation actually helps ensure that it will be confrontational. Here’s the alternative:

Instead, approach it as an act of joint problem-solving: What are the critical issues at hand, what are my interests and their interests, and what are some different possible options for satisfying those various interests?

Instead of focusing on what either of you will have to give up, focus on a creative solution. Of course, you don’t want to be a complete pushover during the negotiating process, either. Just keep in mind — joint problem solving includes your needs, too.

This perspective can make it a little easier to negotiate when you’re not a fan of it in the first place. For more detail, check out the full post, below.

How to Negotiate Nicely Without Being a Pushover [HBR]


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