Here are some questions to ask yourself before entering a negotiation.
1. Information Disclosure
What information should I share, when and why? Knowledge is power but only when it's used.
2. Who goes first?
If I let them make the first proposal they might offer me more than I was expecting but what if it's worse, or much worse?
3. Where do I pitch?
If I go extreme, I'll have plenty of wriggle room and I might structure their expectations as to where the deal will be done but, what if I'm so unrealistic I get shown the door?
4. Do I change my mind?
If my strategy is not working or my objectives aren't realistic enough, do I change or recalibrate them? If I do will they see that as a sign of weakness and come after me?
5. Losing the argument.
If they've got a good argument, do I try to argue fruitlessly against it or do I accept their point and make a concession?
6. Assumptions.
If I don't know should I assume? If I do I could get it horribly wrong, if I don't I'll never make a decision.
7. Do I ask for what I want?
If I do they might not give it to me but if I don't they're going to have to guess.
8. Should I give them what they want?
If I do they might not give me what I want but if I don't then why would they give me what I have been looking for.
9. When do I stop?
If I go too soon I might miss an opportunity, if I leave it too late I'll risk unravelling the deal and having to start again.
10. Should I threaten a sanction?
If I do it may raise the temperature and destabilise the negotiation. If I don't, I may be losing power.
Trust Scotwork to provide you with the confidence and certainty to answer these questions.