Simplify Negotiations by Viewing Them As “joint Problem Solving”
For some people, negotiation comes naturally. For the rest of us, this can seem intimidating, awkward, and slightly confrontational. If this seems to you to be true and you are having trouble negotiating, try approaching it as “joint problem solving.”
The Harvard Business Review argues that treating negotiations as confrontational actually helps ensure they are confrontational. Here’s the alternative they suggest:
Instead, approach it as an act of collaborative problem-solving: what are the main problems, what are my interests and their interests, and what are the different possible options for meeting these different interests?
Instead of focusing on what you have to give up, focus on a creative solution. Of course, in the negotiation process, you also do not want to be a complete slacker. Just keep in mind that collaborative problem solving includes your needs. This point of view can make negotiations a little easier if you are not a fan of it at all. Check out the full post below for more details.