After any negotiation, especially a big one, it’s really important to take a moment to think about what happened.
From what I’ve seen, looking back at how things went can show you what you can do better and what worked well. Here are some important things to check out:
1. Outcomes Achieved
- Value Delivered: Think about what you got from the negotiation. Did you reach your goals? Break it down into things like money saved, new resources, or better terms.
- Satisfaction Level: How happy are you with the results? On a scale from 1 to 10, where do you land? This might be a personal feeling, but it tells you a lot about how you feel about the negotiation.
2. Process Evaluation
- Length of Negotiation: How long did the negotiation take? Was it a long struggle, or was it quick? This can affect how happy both sides are and shows how efficient it was.
- Key Tactics Used: Think about the strategies you used. Which ones worked, and which ones didn’t? For example, did you listen carefully to understand the other party, or did some of your tactics backfire?
3. Communication Effectiveness
- Clarity of Messages: How clear were you in what you said? Did you explain your points clearly, or were there moments where things got confusing?
- Emotional Tone: Think about how you handled your emotions. Did you keep a positive or calm tone, or did things get heated at any point?
4. Relationship Impact
- Future Relationship Dynamics: How might this negotiation affect your relationship moving forward? Did you create a team spirit, or were there disagreements that could cause problems later?
- Trust Levels: After everything, how much do you trust the other party? Trust is super important for future talks, and knowing how you feel about it matters.
5. Learning Opportunities
- Mistakes and Lessons Learned: What mistakes did you make? What would you do differently next time? It’s really helpful to notice and write down these moments so you can grow.
- Successful Strategies: On the other hand, what went well? Celebrate those successes! Understanding why something worked can give you the confidence to use it again next time.
6. Feedback from Others
- Soliciting Input: Sometimes we can be biased in our views. If you can, ask team members or even the other party for their thoughts. They might give you a different perspective on what worked and what didn’t.
7. Follow-Up Actions
- Implementation of Agreements: Once the negotiation is done, check how well the agreements are being followed. Are both sides keeping their promises?
- Future Strategies: Based on what you learned, think about what strategies you’ll use in future negotiations. This could mean focusing on a certain skill or trying out new techniques.
In simple terms, looking at these key points not only helps you learn what happened but also makes you better at future negotiations. Over time, this reflective practice can build up your confidence and skills.
Remember, keep it relaxed! Every negotiation is a chance to learn!