Building good relationships and trust is really important when you’re negotiating. When you connect well with someone, it can turn a stressful negotiation into a friendly discussion. Here are some easy exercises to help you get better at building those connections.
Exercise: Focus on listening when you talk to people.
Example: In a meeting, instead of thinking about what you want to say next while someone else is talking, write down your main ideas and let them finish. This shows that you respect what they're saying and helps build trust.
Exercise: Try matching the other person’s body language and tone of voice. This helps create a connection.
Example: If the person you’re talking to leans in while they speak, lean in a bit too. If they use certain words, try to use those in your replies. This makes them feel understood and appreciated.
Exercise: Before negotiations, learn about what the other person cares about. Look for shared interests or goals.
Example: If you’re negotiating with someone who cares about being eco-friendly, mention how your company also values that. You could say, “Like you, we believe in helping the environment, so I think we could work well together.”
Exercise: Try to see things from the other person’s perspective. Think about their feelings and thoughts during the conversation.
Example: If a coworker seems stressed, let them know you understand. You might say, “I can see this is tough for you. Let’s figure this out together.” This helps build a friendly atmosphere.
Exercise: Have casual chats with the other person before serious negotiations. Talk about things that aren’t work-related to relax the mood.
Example: Discuss hobbies, family, or travel. You might say, “I heard you went to Italy recently; that’s one of my favorite places!” This can help you feel more comfortable with each other before you start negotiating.
Exercise: Ask trusted coworkers for their thoughts on how you communicate.
Example: After a meeting, ask a coworker if you seemed friendly or engaged. Use their feedback to get better for next time.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your skills in building relationships, making negotiations smoother and more successful. Each conversation is a chance to create understanding and trust, leading to good results.
Building good relationships and trust is really important when you’re negotiating. When you connect well with someone, it can turn a stressful negotiation into a friendly discussion. Here are some easy exercises to help you get better at building those connections.
Exercise: Focus on listening when you talk to people.
Example: In a meeting, instead of thinking about what you want to say next while someone else is talking, write down your main ideas and let them finish. This shows that you respect what they're saying and helps build trust.
Exercise: Try matching the other person’s body language and tone of voice. This helps create a connection.
Example: If the person you’re talking to leans in while they speak, lean in a bit too. If they use certain words, try to use those in your replies. This makes them feel understood and appreciated.
Exercise: Before negotiations, learn about what the other person cares about. Look for shared interests or goals.
Example: If you’re negotiating with someone who cares about being eco-friendly, mention how your company also values that. You could say, “Like you, we believe in helping the environment, so I think we could work well together.”
Exercise: Try to see things from the other person’s perspective. Think about their feelings and thoughts during the conversation.
Example: If a coworker seems stressed, let them know you understand. You might say, “I can see this is tough for you. Let’s figure this out together.” This helps build a friendly atmosphere.
Exercise: Have casual chats with the other person before serious negotiations. Talk about things that aren’t work-related to relax the mood.
Example: Discuss hobbies, family, or travel. You might say, “I heard you went to Italy recently; that’s one of my favorite places!” This can help you feel more comfortable with each other before you start negotiating.
Exercise: Ask trusted coworkers for their thoughts on how you communicate.
Example: After a meeting, ask a coworker if you seemed friendly or engaged. Use their feedback to get better for next time.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your skills in building relationships, making negotiations smoother and more successful. Each conversation is a chance to create understanding and trust, leading to good results.