{"id":6393,"date":"2024-03-19T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-19T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=6393"},"modified":"2024-08-05T16:43:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-05T20:43:52","slug":"negotiation-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/skills\/negotiation-skills","title":{"rendered":"6 Negotiation Skills to Level Up Your Work Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sometimes, we don’t get everything we want and need to respectfully ask for what we’re looking for. That’s where negotiation skills come in \u2014 and they’re not just for asking for the salary we think we deserve (even though they come in handy then). Negotiation skills are crucial for people in all different industries, especially when working with difficult coworkers or clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what are negotiation skills, how are they used, and how can you build them \u2014 without needing work experience? Here’s your go-to guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Negotiation Skills Defined<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Negotiation skills are the skills you use to come to an agreement between two or more people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You likely use these skills in everyday interactions; for example, let’s say you and your friend plan to spend Saturday together. You want to try a new brunch place, but they want to cook at home. You’d use negotiation skills to figure out plans that work for both of you. You could negotiate to try the new brunch place on Saturday but say you’d be willing to cook at home with them for dinner another night that week. They may try to negotiate with you and ask what you’re looking forward to at the brunch place, then offer to make those special cinnamon toast pancakes at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the workplace, people in all different types of careers use negotiation skills \u2014 not just in sales<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, let’s say you work in finance for an apparel company. You and your coworker have to present your financial plans to your manager, but you have disagreeing views. Your coworker has specific ideas of what t-shirt styles are in season to satisfy guest demand, but you have different ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To negotiate with your coworker, you must listen to their rationale and ask clarifying questions. You’ll also need to support your idea with data and backup plans. Then, you’ll work with that coworker to persuade them to see your side. Finally, you’ll develop an agreement that meets somewhere in the middle, conceding any part of the strategy to their plans if you find their idea will work better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Are Negotiation Skills Important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Negotiation skills are crucial not only for reaching agreements with your coworkers but also for advocating for what you want in the workplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These soft skills<\/a> can help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n