Knowledge to Knowhow -8

Negotiation exists in all areas of life…

You know, in this series, I briefly convey the subjects I learned in different trainings and I try to share what I kept in my mind and in my behavior… Information that I turned into a skill by myself… Knowledge to Knowhow🤓

Today's topic is negotiation.
Negotiation exists in all areas of life. So what is negotiation? Negotiation, in my opinion, is the process that leads to an agreement at a point where both parties will be satisfied. The cornerstones of this process are:

1. Preparation Perhaps the most important issue: What exactly are you trying to do, what options are available to you on the side you are negotiating with. Which scenarios are you likely to say "suitable"?

2. Communication Active listening, ensuring that the other party speaks at least 50% to 60% of the time. While conveying your own needs and expectations in a plain language and with clarity, ensuring that the other party explains their needs and expectations very clearly.

3. Flexibility Being open to different solution methods, not insisting on a fixed point of view and a one-way solution. Maybe you never thought of this scenario, but why not, consider it.

4. Problem Solving Problems will arise in every negotiation… Understanding the root causes is critical to solving them. The apparent demand and the underlying cause can be very different. To take a step towards understanding and being a solution partner.

5. Relationship Development “People trust people they know” is the exact point.

6. Cultural Awareness Negotiation techniques may show cultural differences as in many other issues. Especially if you are going to negotiate with a foreign culture, try to learn the cultural characteristics beforehand.

7. Self-Management I think it is as important as the above to be confident, self-sacrificing, and maintaining a very down-to-earth, humble attitude.

If we look at the proverbs for the golden key, "Try not to be the one who always carves herself like a knife blade". This is an attitude that makes me extremely uncomfortable…

These are the points that I kept in my mind and turned into skills.
As with many skills, negotiation develops with practice. If you participate in negotiations with a high level of awareness, your skill in the subject will definitely improve.

Beyond these, you should focus on your own strengths or aspects that need improvement during the negotiation... If I give an example from myself, unfortunately I am a very impatient person.😏 I would like to conclude the issues immediately... This is something that should never be done during a negotiation... Improving my behaviour took time, still does.

What would you like to add about the topioc of negotiation?

PS: The photo is from the ancient city of Dara in Mardin… A fascinating historic site…