Loud Thinking August 11, 2014 at 01:14PM
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate with Someone More Powerful
It can be daunting to ask your boss for a new assignment or to try to land a deal with a major client. But you can succeed if you approach the negotiation in the right way. Don’t let fear of the competition cloud your judgment. Often, if other candidates are being interviewed or six vendors are vying for the contract, we’re tempted to lower our demands. Don’t decrease your value — think about the skills and expertise you bring to the table that others do not. To conquer your fear, the most important thing is to be well-prepared. Make a list of what you want from the negotiation and why, and then study your counterpart’s motivations, obstacles, and goals, so you can brainstorm creative solutions that will work for both of you. Find data to help you make your case, and build trust by listening and asking questions. All of this will help you keep your cool.
Adapted by HBR from “ How to Negotiate with Someone More Powerful than You” by Carolyn O’Hara.
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