Negotiation is a skill that everyone uses in their lives. It is used in the workplace as well as in our personal lives. Whether we are aware of it or not, most of us spend a significant amount of time negotiating various issues. That’s why it is so important to have strong negotiation skills. Being a good negotiator allows you to build, maintain, and improve relationships in your personal life and in the workplace. People with strong negotiation skills are oftentimes more efficient, more organized, and more successful. The following examples display times when good negotiation skills are a must. Let’s take a look at a few places where the ability to negotiate can help you succeed.
On An Interview
While it is certainly impressive to have a resume packed with experience, it is more about what you say in an interview that will determine whether or not you get the job. Statistics show that many hiring decisions are actually made in the first 2 minutes of an interview. For this reason, it is important that candidates be able to come in with strong negotiation skills. Before leaving an interview you should negotiate a follow-up call or stopping by in the near future to check in. Utilizing these negotiation skills will show confidence and help you avoid getting lost in the paperwork.
In The Workplace
Most people think that the essential skills needed to get ahead in the workplace are hard work, good communication, and good luck. While these are obviously very important, another component that is often overlooked is the ability to negotiate. Negotiation involves the ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities. When you are capable of closing the deal for your company, you are opening the door to bigger opportunities for yourself. Strengthening your negotiation skills makes you an asset to your company and helps you accomplish your personal goals.
In A Performance Review
Most professionals are given an annual performance review. This is the perfect opportunity to use your negotiation skills to get what you want: a higher salary, more benefits, a promotion. An employee who can negotiate well knows how to showcase their talents in order to further their career. Aside from salary and benefits, a good negotiator would also negotiate for the tools needed to grow and thrive in their position. These tools could include a strong support staff, special training, or a new job title. Knowing how and when to negotiate can help you advance your career and professional growth.
Being a good negotiator is an important part of being successful both personally and professionally. Good negotiation skills help you to achieve important goals for yourself and your organization. While these were just a few examples of places where negotiation is important, it is an invaluable skill that will help you in nearly every aspect of your life.