The ability to negotiate effectively is a powerful skill that can help you get what you want in the workplace. Whether you are trying to get a raise, a promotion, better benefits or more vacation time, the ability to negotiate can help you succeed. In fact, negotiation can be used not only for your own benefit, but also to resolve workplace disputes and deal with conflict.

Prepare Your Case

Before entering into negotiations with your boss or co-worker, you need to be prepared. Gather as much information as possible to support your case, including data and statistics, examples of how other individuals with similar experience were compensated and comparisons with the compensation of other employees in similar positions. Always be honest when gathering information and avoid exaggerating. You want to come across as confident, but not arrogant.

Be Prepared for Compromise

You may not get exactly what you want in every negotiation, so be prepared to compromise. Before you enter into negotiations, think about what concessions you might be willing to make. Remember, your goal is not to get everything you want but rather to reach an agreement that works for both of you. 

Be Willing to Walk Away

If you don’t think the other party will budge on a key issue, consider walking away from the negotiation. If you decide to walk away, make sure you do so in a respectful manner and let the other person know why. By doing so, you may open the lines of communication and allow the parties to find a solution that works for both of you. 

Consider Alternatives

Before entering into negotiations, think about what alternatives you have if the negotiations don’t go well. You may be able to take a different job or accept a salary increase instead of a promotion. Or you may decide to start your own business. By having alternatives, you won’t be as desperate and can therefore take a more relaxed approach to the negotiations. 

Listen Carefully

To negotiate effectively, you must listen carefully to what the other party has to say. Even if you don’t agree with what the other party has to say, don’t interrupt or make negative comments. By listening carefully, you’ll be able to understand the other person’s perspective on the issue. Focus on the Positive

Negotiations are often stressful and emotional, so keep things in perspective by focusing on the positive. Think about why this particular job or house is important to you, or why this promotion is important to your career. The more positive you are about the job or item you want, the more confident you’ll be in negotiating for it.

Ask Questions

Ask questions to find out information that will lead to a win-win solution. Asking questions helps avoid misunderstandings that can derail negotiations. Ask questions related to the subject at hand, and also ask more general questions about your working relationship with the other party. 

Learn From Your Mistakes

Negotiation is an art and a science, so you have to be willing to make mistakes in order to learn from them. If you lose a negotiation, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, think about what you did wrong, why it didn’t work, and what you can do next time to improve your technique.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Negotiations are often stressful and emotional, so keep things in perspective by focusing on the positive. Think about why this particular job or house is important to you, or why this promotion is important to your career. The more positive you are about the job or item you want, the more confident you’ll be in negotiating for it.

Focus on the Relationship

“The secret of successful negotiating is to focus not on what we are trying to get but on what we have to give.” – Roger Dawson

Negotiations are more successful when they are a two-way street, where each party feels that they have gained something in the process. When you focus on the negotiation as a collaborative effort it helps everyone to find a win-win compromise.