Many people enter into negotiations with the notion that they might have to be strategic and play “hardball” in order to get what they want. They might even avoid negotiations because they don’t want to sour working relationships. After all, someone will be the winner and someone will end up the loser, right? Not necessarily. There are actually strategies you can employ to ensure everyone walks away feeling like a winner. Here we will explore strategies that can help you achieve a win-win outcome.
What is a win-win strategy?
It is important that any negotiation is fair and well-balanced, so that all parties involved feel like their arguments are being heard and validated. A negotiation is not about one party winning and the other party losing, but rather two parties seeking to create a mutually beneficial solution. During win-win negotiations, all parties agree to collaborate and work together for the benefit of the group. If both parties walk away happy with what they’ve gained, then it’s a win-win!
Strategies for reaching a win-win outcome:
Separate the people from the problem.
First and foremost, you need to avoid identifying your counterpart as your “opponent.” Instead, work on finding common ground and seeking ways to compromise. Be sure to focus on the issues at hand and ignore any personality differences. Remain calm and observe the emotions of the other party. Be willing to listen and let them share their ideas and concerns and use your emotional intelligence to gauge when the conversation might be getting tense. Don’t let your emotions take over and make an effort to understand the needs and interests of the other party.
Focus on interests, not positions.
Very seldom are people difficult just for the sake of being difficult. More often than not, there are justifiable reasons for people’s beliefs and there are many things that can influence their decisions. Therefore, try to keep all conversations polite and avoid placing blame. Rather, listen with an open mind and try to understand the other person’s position. When everyone sees that their interests are being considered, they are more likely to be receptive to different points of view.
Seek opportunities for mutual gain.
Once each side has a clear understanding of the other person’s interests, it becomes easier to find valuable solutions. If a solution is not immediately obvious, be open-minded and willing to explore new options. Brainstorm as many ideas as you can and be receptive to any suggestions. The goal is to create opportunities where both parties can walk away feeling like a winner.
