How to Identify Your Goals and Priorities for Successful Negotiation
When you are negotiating, knowing what you want can really help. The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it is to guide the conversation in the right direction. So, how can you figure out your goals and priorities before getting into a negotiation? Let’s go through some simple steps.
Before jumping into a negotiation, take a moment to think about your main goals. Ask yourself:
For example, if you are trying to get a job offer, your goals might include not just the salary, but also benefits, work hours, and chances for promotion. Write down your goals in order of how important they are.
After listing your goals, it’s time to prioritize them. Not every goal is equally important. You need to sort them into "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves."
For example:
It’s important to know your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA). This is like your backup plan. Understanding your options gives you strength during talks. If the deal doesn’t work out, what will you do instead?
If the job offer does not meet your must-have salary, your BATNA could be another job offer you have or the option to freelance.
Negotiation is not just about you. It helps to know what the other person wants, too. Consider:
For example, if you are asking your boss for a raise, they might be worried about the budget. By understanding this, you can present your salary request in a way that shows your value to the team, which could help ease their worries.
One great way to prepare is through role-playing. This means acting out different negotiation scenarios. It helps you think ahead and prepare responses based on the goals you’ve set.
For example, you can practice negotiating with a friend, taking turns to be each side. This will help you anticipate objections, change your strategies, and improve your presentation.
Finally, make sure to write down your goals and priorities. Having a list can help you stay focused and calm during the negotiation.
Figuring out your goals and priorities for a successful negotiation isn't that hard. By following these steps—defining and prioritizing your goals, understanding your backup plan, knowing what the other side needs, practicing scenarios, and keeping a list of key points—you can enter the negotiation confidently. Remember, preparation is key! The clearer you are about what you want, the better your chances of getting it. Happy negotiating!
How to Identify Your Goals and Priorities for Successful Negotiation
When you are negotiating, knowing what you want can really help. The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it is to guide the conversation in the right direction. So, how can you figure out your goals and priorities before getting into a negotiation? Let’s go through some simple steps.
Before jumping into a negotiation, take a moment to think about your main goals. Ask yourself:
For example, if you are trying to get a job offer, your goals might include not just the salary, but also benefits, work hours, and chances for promotion. Write down your goals in order of how important they are.
After listing your goals, it’s time to prioritize them. Not every goal is equally important. You need to sort them into "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves."
For example:
It’s important to know your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA). This is like your backup plan. Understanding your options gives you strength during talks. If the deal doesn’t work out, what will you do instead?
If the job offer does not meet your must-have salary, your BATNA could be another job offer you have or the option to freelance.
Negotiation is not just about you. It helps to know what the other person wants, too. Consider:
For example, if you are asking your boss for a raise, they might be worried about the budget. By understanding this, you can present your salary request in a way that shows your value to the team, which could help ease their worries.
One great way to prepare is through role-playing. This means acting out different negotiation scenarios. It helps you think ahead and prepare responses based on the goals you’ve set.
For example, you can practice negotiating with a friend, taking turns to be each side. This will help you anticipate objections, change your strategies, and improve your presentation.
Finally, make sure to write down your goals and priorities. Having a list can help you stay focused and calm during the negotiation.
Figuring out your goals and priorities for a successful negotiation isn't that hard. By following these steps—defining and prioritizing your goals, understanding your backup plan, knowing what the other side needs, practicing scenarios, and keeping a list of key points—you can enter the negotiation confidently. Remember, preparation is key! The clearer you are about what you want, the better your chances of getting it. Happy negotiating!