Negotiation Skills Test
I make a genuine effort to understand where other people are coming from.
When it comes to my own goals and priorities, I speak up confidently and stand my ground.
Even when someone criticizes me, I keep my cool and stay self-assured.
I practice active listening by paying close attention and summarizing what I hear to confirm my understanding.
I actively search for areas where we agree and make sure to recognize them.
Before any negotiation, I do my homework by researching the context and what everyone hopes to achieve.
To reach a solid agreement, you need to dig into what each side really cares about.
I tackle issues and worries directly, without pointing fingers or making judgments.
I struggle to express my desires in a straightforward way.
I'm open-minded and ready to consider various alternatives.
My goal is to create outcomes where everyone walks away feeling like they've won.
I'm willing to give up certain points if I can gain something else in return.
Conflict makes me anxious, so I tend to steer clear of it whenever possible.
During negotiations, I work to put the other person at ease and build rapport.
In any negotiation, having a broad framework is key, but you should stay adaptable within it.
I can articulate my needs and interests in a clear, direct manner.
I maintain my composure even when things get tough or the pressure mounts.
I'm skilled at crafting solutions that meet the core interests of everyone involved.
People have told me I can come across as impatient, domineering, or lacking empathy.
I can evaluate how my position stacks up against others, identifying both advantages and drawbacks.
20 questions remaining
What to Know
- Negotiating isn't just about getting what you want; it's also about talking to people, working together, and making sure everyone gets what they want.
- There are many things that can affect how well negotiations go: the parties' interests, the proposal's legitimacy and fairness, the presence of trust, the strength of each side's commitment, and the type of communication.
- People think there are five ways to negotiate: competing (I win, you lose), avoiding (both lose), accommodating (I lose, you win), collaborating (both win), and compromising (both win some and lose some).
- There can be a lot of bias in negotiations. Studies indicate that women who advocate for themselves, particularly in salary negotiations, may be viewed as less amiable (e.g., "assertive" or "self-interested"). The first step to dealing with bias is to see it.
- You can learn how to negotiate. Some strategies are to get ready well, be empathetic, ask open-ended questions, be creative, find common ground, admit when you're stuck, manage your emotions, and keep going.
- Leaders can make places where people feel comfortable speaking up and making fair deals. For instance, leaders can encourage open communication, teach people how to negotiate, fight against bias, stand up for fairness, and set a good example.
Do Something Different
- Learn how to communicate with confidence. Be clear and to the point, listen actively, stay calm, use "I" statements, and stick to your guns.
- Learn how to negotiate. You are more likely to be successful if you focus on interests instead of positions, problems instead of people, a range of options, and objective criteria.
- Get help. If you can't negotiate and it's affecting your job or your life, talking to a therapist or life coach can help.
