4 Steps to Conscious Negotiation

Your ability to negotiate consciously makes the difference between a successful negotiation where both sides win and a ruthless win or lose. Negotiating well impacts careers, salaries, promotions, clients, sales and other important aspects of a business. It’s no wonder negotiations bring out our competitive streaks.

Conscious negotiation is doing business thoughtfully so that you can make better decisions which increase the value of your business relationships. The conscious approach to negotiation is starting to gain popularity and has been integrated into some of the best negotiation training classes. The mindful approach to business uses self-awareness to create more enduring business relationships.

Conscious Negotiations Promote Positive Outcomes

According to Dr. Mehrad Nazari’s book, “Enlightened Negotiation: 8 Universal Laws to Connect, Create, and Prosper,” conscious negotiation teaches you how to hone your negotiation skills for increased positive outcomes.

Conscious negotiation advocates for mindfulness and the application of spiritual values in otherwise tough business negotiations. By implementing conscious negotiation, you can influence the discussions to get a positive outcome for both sides.

Typically, many think of negotiations as situations where the winner comes out on top. However, in real-world business negotiations, the contract is not the end, but rather the beginning of a partnership. Going into negotiations with the intent to form an alliance can help you negotiate a contract with mutual collaboration being your end goal.

Some steps to help you negotiate more consciously include:

Negotiations as Problem-Solving

Negotiations are aimed at yielding a positive, collaborative agreement for both sides. Think about how best you can reciprocate instead of promoting your own self-interests. Considering the big picture helps you to view the negotiations more rationally and negotiate more constructively.

Remember, the negotiation approach should be geared toward a mutually-beneficial outcome.

Be the First to Speak

Speaking first allows you to set the tone, pace, and mood of the negotiation. Share information to inspire trust and set a positive tone for the negotiations.

Ask open-ended questions that allow the other side to tell you the problems they have and what solutions they need. Figure out which needs can be met immediately, or in the near future. The willingness to share and solve a problem inspires reciprocity in the other negotiator or team.

Speaking first also allows you to drop an anchor which determines the tone of negotiations.

Create a Win-Win Conversation

Negotiation training advocates for ‘give-and-take’ strategies. Since negotiation power may be equal on both sides, everyone has the power to say yes or no. However, it is important to remember that negotiations may not always result in the desired outcome. Making counter offers and concessions will ensure both sides get the best deal and are equally satisfied.

Satisfied partners are more committed and will work harder to uphold the terms of the negotiation.

Flexibility

Negotiations training classes teach negotiators flexibility, which is a critical component of conscious negotiation. Approaching negotiations with an open mind allows you to think of alternative solutions to possible deal-breakers. Remember, each goal you set as your ideal outcome can be accomplished in multiple ways.

Going into negotiations with a dominant approach can make the other team non-receptive to your ideas or worse, completely closed off. By learning the art of conscious negotiation, you spend less energy on dominating to keep control and more energy on finding creative solutions that leave both sides satisfied.

Other important factors to consider when practicing conscious negotiation include:

• Research: Research is a significant part of conscious negotiations. Learning as much as you can about the other negotiator or team in the negotiation gives you better insight. Extensive research prepares negotiators to make informed decisions and propose practical solutions.
• Listening: The forgotten art of being attentive allows you to learn more about the buyer or seller. Seek to apply the 70/30 rule, where you listen 70% and talk 30%.
• Resist taking negotiations personally: Negotiations can bring out the worst in us by promoting unhealthy competition. Conclude all negotiations respectfully even if you do not achieve the desired outcome.

A negotiations training class equips you with all the necessary skills to handle negotiations consciously. Although it may take longer than traditional methods, the conscious approach leaves both sides satisfied and open to future collaboration.

Conscious negotiators are equipped to make reciprocated concessions which ensure both sides come out winners.