Since the time we are born we start negotiating for what we want . Another important aspect of soft skills that is negotiation skills , anyone in whatever professions be but the importance of negotiation skills goes a long way both in our lives as well as in our career . Since you are at a workplace you will come across several situations where you will have to negotiate a deal that is why it has become quite mandatory to how you can negotiate for the desired results, keeping in consideration that neither you suffer nor the other party suffers because a real negotiation can be done only when both the parties are benefited . Negotiation skills are not always inborn , they have to be developed through learning and can be very useful in resolving differences and reaching to a common conclusion
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING GOOD NEGOTIATION SKILLS :
- Negotiation contributes to good communication . All the workers rely on their communication skills so that the negotiation goes smoothly and hence they adopt certain skills for negotiation
- Negotiation helps to settle differences to build , maintain and improve relationships among the company resulting in healthier functioning .
- It also helps you to be efficient , instead of having time consuming discussions and arguments it helps you to find solutions and benefit both the parties by negotiating effectively
- Good negotiation skills helps to build relationship resulting in smooth functioning in the environment because the aim is to foster goodwill despite differences .
- Helps in taking better decisions that also last longer than other short term solutions that fails to satisfy either of the parties completely .
- Effective negotiators must have the skills to work together as a team so as to reach a acceptable solution .
SOME TIPS ON HOW TO NEGOTIATE :
TAKE THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PERSON : Successful problem solving and conflict resolution largely depends on a person’s ability to take the opponent’s cognitive and affective perspectives and understand how the conflict appears to the other person and that person is reacting emotionally and attitudinally .
PREPARATION BEFORE MEETING : Preparation includes determining goals , areas for trades and alternatives to the stated goals . Also , you can study the history of the relationship between the two parties and past negotiations to find areas of agreement and common goals .
ALWAYS ASK FOR MORE THAN YOU REALLY WANT : Let’s say you are negotiating a job offer and you really want a five thousand dollar increase in your salary ,don’t ask for the amount straight instead ask for ten thousand dollar . By asking for more than you really want gives you the opportunity to make sacrifices while you’re negotiating , In the negotiation process you can sacrifice that extra money , meet the hiring manager in the middle and agree on the five thousand dollars salary increase .
CLEAR AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION : A good negotiation skill must include the ability to communicate clearly and effectively . Misunderstandings can occur if the negotiator does not state his side clearly .
SOME NEGOTIATION TIPS FOR THE EMPLOYEE :
Last stage of interview is negotiation stage of the salary . A lot of young professionals when they accept a job offer within one month they start getting this feeling that I could have asked for more or this is not enough and it comes in because we know that when the employers ask them about how much salary are they expecting , they feel very happy about getting the job but at this point one should control their nerves and handle this question very carefully . Employees should never show that you are needy of the job or overenthusiasm ,your work life will start depending on this .
- KNOW INDUSTRY STANDARDS : For negotiating salary , firstly know about the company which is offering you if the company is well established or not, know about the market conditions at that time , norms of the company , salary given to that position in other companies .
- SETTING A RANGE : When you negotiate the salary don’t give directly the amount you are expecting instead of tell them that your present or last drawn salary was this and I am expecting 10 -20% more of the previous one or give them a range of your expecting salary
- FOR FRESHER’S : If you are a fresher , tell them that for you learning the work culture , learning the skills is important and please pay the salary according to the company norms so that now the ball is in the coat of the recruiter’s .
- PORTRAY YOUR EXPERIENCE : Tell them about your skills , abilities , work ,show your enthusiasm in work and portray all your experience .
- STATE YOUR MAXIMUM AS MINIMUM : If you mention your maximum range as your minimum, this way the employer might split the difference for their mentioned amount with your with your maximum limit .
SOME NEGOTIATION SKILLS THAT WILL HELP THE EMPLOYER :
The result of salary negotiation can help you reach agreement on a salary that makes both you and the candidate feel valued and fairly compensated . This can help by leaving the candidate feeling wanted by your organization . A positive employer and a positive employee are the results of a successful salary negotiation .
- DETEMINE THE SALARY RANGES : Whatever you are going to offer – you want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward . For each position you are hiring for , be sure to have a lower and upper band to orient your approach .Assess your company budget and calculate how much you can afford to spend on the new hire .
- FIND OUT THEIR EXPECTATIONS : When it comes down to it , there shouldn’t be any surprises. Have your conversations about the salary, determine what the potential candidate is expecting in terms if the salary.
- BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTIONS : You can use company benefits as a tool in salary negotiation . Employees can be more flexible on their salary expectations if your company offers other additional compensations . Other options to consider including in your salary negotiation that could help to bridge the financial gap such as employer sponsored benefits like health insurance , performance bonus or unlimited time off .
- BEGIN WITH THE NEGOTIATION : By establishing salary ranges , the salary negotiation phase begin and allows the potential candidates to adjust their expectations . By mentioning the minimum range set by you shows the candidate how you value the position ,by this they might split the difference when they hear the offer .