You may have heard that you need to leave your emotions at the door when you are negotiating, but don’t be fooled. Emotions can and do have a powerful effect on your thinking and behaviors during a negotiation, which is why it is important to maintain a positive attitude. Successful negotiation requires positive energy. The attitude in which you enter a negotiation plays an important role in determining the outcome of the negotiation, and positive energy increases your confidence and creates more positive results. After all, your disposition is your choice. Some people freeze in the winter while others ski. In the end it’s all about attitude and a positive attitude will undoubtedly lead to more successful negotiations.
The Benefits of Positivity
A positive attitude is a mental state that expects the best to happen. When you believe things will turn out well, they usually do. Here are a few other benefits if positive attitudes:
Positivity allows for constructive thinking.
A positive attitude enables you to think outside the box and come up with different solutions because you believe you can find them. Not only do you think things will work out well, but you actively seek out constructive ways to execute your solutions.
Positive thinking leads to creativity.
Ideal solutions are not always easy to find but for those who are positive, they aren’t afraid to try new things and look for unique solutions.
Positivity equates to confidence.
A negotiator with a positive attitude is less likely to make mistakes because they feel empowered. Negativity, on the other hand, narrows one’s focus and tends to fog their ability to make sound decisions.
How to Develop a Positive Attitude
Before a negotiation begins, you should focus on getting your mind positively charged. You can do this by going over the negotiation in your mind and thinking about positive outcomes. Pay close attention to what thoughts are entering your mind and stand guard against negative thinking.
In addition to your mind, you want to physically take charge of your body by eating a healthy meal before negotiating, practicing some relaxation and breathing techniques, and wearing a smile to trigger positive emotions. It never hurts to laugh a little too! Having a positive attitude is so important because it can create more positive results. In the end, attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
