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.

stars icon
25 questions and answers
info icon

When a negotiation reaches a stalemate, you can use several strategies to move forward. First, practice active listening and tactical empathy to understand what your counterpart truly wants. Use tools like mirroring, where you repeat your counterpart's key words, and labeling, where you identify and verbalize your counterpart's fears. Ask calibrated questions that start with 'How...' or 'What...'. Remember, the first 'no' is not the end of the negotiation, but the beginning. Once your counterpart says, 'That's right!', you've reached a turning point. Also, identify your counterpart's negotiation style, whether they are an Analyst, an Accommodator, or an Assertive. Lastly, prepare for any negotiation by creating a one-sheet list of five key points that summarize your approach.

When handling a negotiation with multiple counterparts, it's important to connect with each counterpart to understand their needs and wants. Practice active listening and tactical empathy to make them feel safe enough to reveal themselves. Use negotiation tools like mirroring, labeling fears, and asking calibrated questions. Understand that the first 'no' is not the end of the negotiation, but the beginning. Once a counterpart says, 'That's right!', you've reached a turning point. Identify each counterpart's negotiation style, whether they're an Analyst, an Accommodator, or an Assertive. Prepare for the negotiation by creating a one-sheet list of five key points that summarize your approach.

Some ways to make your counterpart feel safe during a negotiation include practicing active listening and tactical empathy. This involves making your counterpart feel understood and valued. You can use tools like mirroring, where you repeat your counterpart's key words, and labeling, where you acknowledge your counterpart's fears. Asking calibrated questions that start with 'How...' or 'What...' can also help. It's important to remember that the first 'no' is not the end of the negotiation, but the beginning. Once your counterpart says, 'That's right!', you've reached a turning point. Understanding your counterpart's negotiation style, whether they are an Analyst, an Accommodator, or an Assertive, can also be beneficial.

View all 25 questions
stars icon Ask another question
This question was asked on the following resource:

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Do you dread negotiations for fear of the conflict involved? The fact is that every aspect of our li...

View summary
resource preview

Download and customize more than 500 business templates

Start here ⬇️

Go to dashboard to view and download stunning resources

Download