Some strategies to handle a counterpart who is not willing to negotiate include practicing active listening and tactical empathy to make them feel safe enough to reveal themselves. You can frame the negotiation using tools like mirroring, labeling your counterpart's fears, and asking calibrated questions that start with 'How...' or 'What...'. Remember, the first 'no' is not the end of the negotiation, but the beginning. Once you get your counterpart to say, 'That's right!', you've reached a turning point. It's also important to figure out your counterpart's negotiation style: are they an Analyst, an Accommodator, or an Assertive? Preparing for any negotiation by drawing up a one-sheet list of five key points that summarize your approach can also be helpful.
Do you dread negotiations for fear of the conflict involved? The fact is that every aspect of our li...
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