Negotiation Skills: Definition, Principles, and How to Improve Them

Negotiation skills are invaluable skills in many aspects of life, both professionally and personally.

Have you ever had difficulty negotiating? Maybe because you were nervous, had difficulty expressing your opinion, or were unsure of what to say.

Don't worry, because negotiation skills can be learned and improved.

In this article, we will discuss negotiation skills in depth, from basic techniques to strategies that can help you achieve the desired results

Negotiation Skill Definition

Negotiation skills are very important skills in everyday life. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), negotiation is a bargaining process through negotiations to reach an agreement between two or more parties.

When talking about negotiation skills, many people often misunderstand that this is just the ability to bargain.

In fact, negotiation skills are the ability to reach an agreement when there are differences of opinion between two or more parties. In the world of work, negotiation skills are very important in various situations.

You will use them when discussing salaries with HRD, setting work contracts with clients, or even resolving conflicts with coworkers.

So it is not surprising that negotiation skills are often one of the important criteria in employee recruitment.

Negotiation Principles You Need to Know

There are four important principles in negotiation that you need to understand so that the process can run smoothly and produce mutually beneficial agreements.

Understanding each of these principles will make you better prepared to face various negotiation situations that may occur.

In addition, by applying these principles, you can avoid common mistakes that often occur when negotiating.

Mastering these principles will also improve your negotiation skills and increase your chances of achieving the desired results.

Here are the negotiation principles you need to know:

1. Control Your Emotions

In negotiation situations, emotions are often provoked, especially when discussing sensitive issues.

A good negotiator must be able to control emotions and not mix personal problems into the discussion.

Before negotiating, it is important to study the character of the other person, their goals, and the values ​​they adhere to. This understanding will help you determine the right communication approach.

2. Focus on Goals

The second principle is to focus on common goals.

Negotiations often get stuck because each party is too focused on fighting over who should get what. Remember that the goal of negotiation is not to win, but to reach an agreement that benefits all parties.

Try to identify the interests, needs, and motivations of your conversation partner to find common ground.

3. Benefit Both Parties

Third, look for options that are mutually beneficial. Brainstorm to find various solution options.

For example, when negotiating salary, don't just focus on the nominal amount. Also consider the facilities, benefits, or work flexibility offered.

4. Set Fair Standards

In negotiations, there is often debate about who is right and who is wrong.

To avoid this, set fair and independent standards as a basis for resolving differences of opinion. Both parties must agree on these criteria so that negotiations run smoothly.

How to Improve Negotiation Skills

You can improve your negotiation skills in various ways. One of the best ways to train this ability is to practice consistently.

Quoted from The Negotiation Academy, the main key to successful negotiation lies in effective communication.

Without good communication skills, you will have difficulty conveying your desires and understanding the perspective of the other person.

Here are ways to improve your negotiation skills:

1. Identify Problems and Needs

The first step to improving negotiation skills is to carefully identify problems and needs.

Before starting a negotiation, make a list of points to discuss and determine the goals you want to achieve.

The more you understand the situation, the more confident you will be in conveying ideas. Don't forget to also understand the needs and motivations of your interlocutor.

2. Manage Emotions

Second, manage your emotions wisely. Negotiations can be an emotional situation, especially when discussing sensitive matters.

You must be able to stay calm and avoid unnecessary confrontation. If you feel your emotions starting to heat up, don't hesitate to ask for a moment before continuing the discussion.

Remember, being defensive will only hinder the negotiation process.

3. Practice

Practicing with friends, family, or mentors can help you build confidence and hone your negotiation techniques.

Try different scenarios and techniques to find the negotiation style that best suits your personality.

The more you practice, the sharper your instincts will be in finding creative solutions.

4. Listen to the Other Person

Give your full attention to the other person and avoid the habit of interrupting.

Pay attention not only to the words spoken, but also to their body language and tone of voice.

Good listening skills will help you understand the perspective of the other person and find opportunities to reach an agreement.

5. Evaluation

Finally, evaluate after each negotiation. Note down valuable lessons from each experience to develop better strategies in the future.

Evaluation also helps you monitor the development of your negotiation skills.

Want to improve your negotiation skills more effectively? You can take the Applied Negotiation Technique class from Prasmul-Eli.

This class will help you master profitable negotiation techniques, from planning to execution.

With the guidance of experienced instructors, you will be trained to conduct negotiations that produce win-win solutions for all parties.

So, are you ready to develop your negotiation skills?