3 Ways to Practice Your Negotiation Skills

One of the key ingredients to getting ahead in the workplace is the ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities.  The art of negotiation is so important because nearly every aspect of the business world is constantly up for negotiation.  The ability to negotiate well can lead to advancements in your career and help you get the most out of life.  Like anything else, it takes a great deal of practice to become a better negotiator.  These 3 exercises are a great way to practice and can help condition yourself to be a strong and successful negotiator.

Role Playing

The best way to test your skills is to work with a partner.  If there is an issue in your life or work that isn’t going well engage a coach or coworker to help you practice your communication skills in order to resolve the conflict.  The key to being a good negotiator is learning how to communicate effectively, so any opportunity to work on those communication skills will be helpful. Likewise, if you know you have a big negotiation talk coming up, such as negotiating a pay raise at work or trying to close a business deal, practice what you are going to say and role play with a knowledgeable partner and rehearse different ways to react to different situations that might arise.

Take a Course

Taking a negotiations course can be extremely beneficial if you want to strengthen your negotiation skills. A training course uses a combination of interactive exercises, dynamic role plays, and seminars from experienced negotiators to help you transform the way in which you negotiate.  These training courses are designed to help you work toward achieving win-win results.  The blend of instruction, practice, and training, will help you to build your skills and meet your negotiation goals.

Negotiate Everything

If you want to become a better negotiator, you have to negotiate.  The next time your boss gives you an assignment, try negotiating the terms of the assignment or the amount of time you have to complete it.  When you get a phone bill in the mail, call your provider and try negotiating a better deal.  The more you do it, the more comfortable you are going to be and the more confident you feel.  Start with small situations such as responsibilities with family and friends and work your way up to negotiating more authority in the workplace.

These 3 exercises can help you to become a better negotiator.  You will feel confident in your skills and learn how to utilize these skills for advancement and success.