Negotiating can be a tricky business. Many of us don’t want to ask for what we want for the fear of being seen as pushy or ungrateful (or whatever label you might use). However, as the old saying goes “If you don’t ask, you don’t get”. Learning to negotiate can help you to achieve more satisfaction and boost your self esteem.
Women have also been found to be much less likely to ask for a raise in the workplace. For example, men expect to earn 13% more than women during their first year of full-time work.
It is clear that both men and women could benefit from being able to negotiate and ask for what they want and deserve.
Here are some suggestions to help hone your negotiation skills…
Do Your Job Well
To negotiate well at work, make sure you are doing your job well. You will have more leverage in asking for what you want with a boss or colleague if you are on top of your job as much as possible. If the other person(s) can see you are trying your best, it is human nature that they will be more likely to want to help you.
Get Clear
What do you want to negotiate? Getting clear for yourself about what it is you want to negotiate is vital before you speak to your boss or colleague. Do you want a pay rise for example? If so, how much? Would you be happy with working less hours for the same pay as a way of negotiation? Work through all the scenarios in advance so you are prepared before you ask. That way, you will have other suggestions up your sleeve if appropriate and you will also be prepared for any counter offers the other person might make! A good negotiation might mean that you get more than you asked for. Being prepared means you can
Enhance Your Communication Skills
When negotiating, communication is key. Being aware of how you are coming across (verbally and non-verbally) is vital, which is why it is important to get clear about why you are asking for what you are asking, before you negotiate. If you feel you are entitled to a raise for example, though it might be true, you are less likely to get what you want if you approach the negotiation with a sense of entitlement. Work with a friend or coach to practice your communication skills in advance. Doing this could mean the difference between getting what you want or not!
Choose Your Time
Be savvy about when you negotiate. For example, asking to cut your hours when some of your colleagues have handed their notice in is less likely to yeild a good result if your boss is worried about how to get all the work done.
Create A Win-Win Situation
The art of negotiation is being willing to fully engage in the conversation and get a sense of where the other person is coming from so that both your needs are met. You are more likely to succeed if you can show the other person the value for them in what you are suggesting, so don’t be afraid to negotiate based on where the conversation goes and what you both appear to be needing.
Bio: Jen Smith is a Life Coach, Mentor & Writer. She has tried many career paths herself and now helps people achieve their goals and dreams.
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