Negotiation skills require good talent. Negotiation actually is a skill which is benefiting self at the same time in conjunction with the other party’s priorities. Negotiation can at times be a compromise where one has to adjust with time constraints or manpower. Negotiating is a skill some people are born with and comes naturally but being in any trade gives us the acumen in the long term operation. Primarily for negotiation skills the main criterion is focus. One needs to have a sincere objective and also the gumption not to deviate from the same.
In layman terms, it is easy to learn negotiation skills from the interplay of needs between a mother and child. The child’s wants are met along with the mother’s permission. Both are seasoned in the art, which is not taught, but comes with practice. Similarly there are bargaining skills that can be acquired by mere noticing trends. The most important negotiating skill is done by all of us is during the pay scale adjudged by the management. Prior to taking up the job offer one must do a survey of standards in the industry and whether the salary will commensurate aptly as per the profile.
Negotiation at all times has to be a win-win situation for both parties. In case of a vendor and company situation, the vendor will place before you various proposals and plans in accordance with manpower, delivery and financial aspects. It is for the company to choose the best vendor so that the work process is not affected and moreover it should be financially feasible.
Another important thing during management targets is about managing manpower requirement and related targets. If targets have to be met and there is a certain ceiling on number of team members, then quality in terms of manpower becomes important. The team leader must choose members who have great regard for responsibility and business acumen. These are certain principles in management which is learnt as we progress in our career.
The most difficult negotiation skill is ‘buying more time’ for a particular project. The points for argument or convincing the peers can be made in terms of quality, knowledge, best practices, delivery standard and also presentation. This is the highest form of quality required in the service industry where customer service is highest and yet many times there are lacunas in the workflow.