The Art of Negotiation

I find that kindness, flexibility and manners go far when it comes to getting what you want in life.  I’ve found that it’s important to put these things first – even when the situation makes you want to do the exact opposite. Yes, it would be nice if everything in life flowed exactly the way you wanted.  Then your world would work out perfectly as well.  But we all know that life flows its own way and its up to us to go with it with wisdom, grace, and poise.

The time will come when you must first think about the needs of others or those of the project and cause at hand.  Often these situations show up at the most inopportune times; but that’s precisely when it’s essential to consider the other person you work with and try to understand that your actions and demands may cause a ripple effect for the project.

Humility, gentleness, and helpfulness go so much further and opens door that you cannot imagine.  Think from a higher level and try to see beyond today.  Some hard work and insight will bring you to paths that will reward you so highly, it’ll make the little inconvenience you incurred so worth it.

Get your foot in the door first; prove yourself before your own interests and stipulations, rather than attempting to show what value you bring to the table right from the beginning.

When working with others, remember the key component to a successful partnership: it’s not always about you, it’s about the big message and the project at hand.

It is often by taking uncommon roads, that we attain uncommon joys and triumphs. ❤ Joyce Soriano

 

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15 Replies to “The Art of Negotiation

  1. Thanks so much for the reminder, Ann!

    In negotiating with advertisers, I often find their demands and attempts at price decreases very frustrating. In such situations, I have to consciously make an effort to stay calm and polite.

    Reminders always helpful!

    btw- I love all the quotes you post on Twitter!

    cheers, Lash

  2. What a beautiful message in this. The art of negotiation is so tricky, especially when the other person can be so entrenched in his or her own position or view. But the message here is good and very positive. The positivity has to start with us. Thank you for an excellent blog and post.

    Cathy Nerujen

  3. Awesome article,good points. From my experience humility,helpfulness,understanding and poise has created positive results. Of course, any negotiation can suddenly turn and adaptability is important.

    I think respect is earned when people realize that you are prepared. Realizing the problems and able to offer alternatives. However, the key is to see the problem from both perspectives and the ability to acknowledge great ideas and adapt your beliefs.

  4. I agree with this premise. I don’t know why people hang onto the idea that you have to yell, belittle or coerce.
    My nature is to speak softly and to look for compromise. I am quick to consider the other person’s situation, feelings and reasoning. The people in my life who have witnessed this have mistaken that for a lack of ambition, self-worth, or a backbone. I wish my responses had been as eloquent as your blog post. Nicely done!

  5. A good reminder that we are all on this lifeboat called earth. Business or in our own lives, negotiating is part of life but We must get along with mutual respect and create a legacy for our children. Thanks for posting!

  6. Kindness, flexibility and manners – all of which are often forgotten in today’s rushed stressed world. People forget that the art of negotiation is about give and take. If you are just looking to take, it will not work. Kindness is essential in all we do, more so today than ever before as we rely on machines and deal less with humans. Nice post. Btw, thanks very much for keeping the comment format simple and easy to use. Sometimes I find websites with such a lot of signing in details that I find it easier to NOT comment. This one is nice and simple. 🙂

  7. Hi Ann,

    Thank you for sharing!

    Negotiating with kindness is very important. Negotiation is required because of different view points. What is most important is to be willing to ALLOW the other party to express their views and values.

    As you mentioned, it is not always about us, it is about the other person too!

    Thanks, Ann!

    Viola Tam

  8. How true Ann; we are conditioned to put ourselves first. When negotiating this is essential. Although when we look at the big picture that must be attained, collaboration and even compromise are necessary.

    Projects rarely move forward when the players have a “me first” attitude. Thanks for reminding us a little civility doesn’t mean one is weak. You are correct, “Think at a higher level”.

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