Negotiation is the process that can be used to address and solve disagreements between people, and find a common place.
Whenever people are together, socially or at work, conflict and disagreement can arise. People have different needs, wants, aims and beliefs and they can clash.
Negotiation is needed in order to reach agreement without causing future resentment and arguments among people.
What is negotiation? It is not always formal but it can help if there is a process with a set of stages.
Negotiation intends to achieve a common place where people make compromises to get the best possible outcome for each ones’ position. The key to a successful negotiation is seeking a mutual benefit with principles of fairness.
General negotiation skills can be learned and developed. Negotiation skills can be of great benefit in solving differences between people.
Negotiation skills are abilities that allow reaching a compromise. These are often soft skills as communication, persuasion, planning, strategizing and cooperating. Negotiation is a method by which individuals resolve differences. It is a process through which a compromise or agreement is reached, while avoiding arguments and disputes. There are at least six stages of negotiation – preparation, discussion, clarification of goals, negotiate towards a win-win outcome, agreement, and implementation of a course of action.
In any negotiation there are three elements very important to achieve the ultimate goal of the negotiation:
Negotiation is influenced by attitudes related with issues respecting the personalities involved and their personal need for recognition.
Knowledge about the situation is the key factor to achieve good results in the process of negotiation, preparation is essential.
Good interpersonal skills are crucial for an effective negotiation, in formal and non-formal negotiations.
Interpersonal skills for an effective negotiation are:
There are some key negotiation skills as Communication, Active listening, Emotional intelligence, Patience, Adaptability, Persuasion, Planning, Integrity, Problem-solving, and Decision-making.
Crisis is an extreme form of change, and negotiation skills are crucial – reaching a compromise so that everyone’s goals are attended, or at least, to reach an agreeable solution for all involved. It is necessary to “give and take” in this process and to be prepared to negotiate.
Therefore, one of the most important skills of client-centered help and support on social level is a sufficiently high level of negotiation skills.