When it comes to learning from tough negotiations, I have some helpful tips to share. It’s all about thinking back on what happened and learning as you go. Here’s what I do:

1. Keep a Negotiation Journal

Writing in a negotiation journal can really help you improve. After every negotiation, write down what happened. Include the strategies you used, how you felt, and what the results were. Looking back at your notes later can help you see patterns in your actions and ways to get better.

2. Break It Down

After a tough negotiation, take some time to analyze it:

• What went well? Write down the successful tactics that helped you reach your goals.
• What didn’t go as planned? Think about any mistakes or surprises that came up.
• What was the other person's point of view? Try to see things from their perspective, as it can give you clues about how they negotiate.

3. Ask for Feedback

Don't hesitate to ask others for their thoughts. Whether it's a mentor or a coworker who watched the negotiation, their feedback can reveal things you may have missed.

4. Practice with Role-Play

Practice makes perfect! Go over tricky negotiations by role-playing with a friend. This helps you figure out what you could do differently and come up with new strategies for next time.

5. Set SMART Goals

Before a negotiation, I write down specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals. This keeps me focused and helps me think about how things went afterward. If I met my goals, I reflect on why; if I didn’t, I try to understand what went wrong.

6. Keep Learning

Finally, always keep learning. Read books, listen to podcasts, or join workshops that focus on negotiation skills. Every new thing you learn adds to your toolbox for negotiating.

By using these strategies, you can really change how you handle negotiation challenges and grow from those experiences. It's all about improving and becoming a better negotiator over time.