Negotiation sounds hectic, something enormous like trying to get a deal for Brexit or brokering a large deal worth millions of rands or FBI agents dealing with hostage situations. But, in truth, negotiation happens every day, even if they don’t fall into the headline-making category. How we negotiate determines an assortment of important (and insignificant) outcomes in our lives. Whether it’s a colleague who makes a stronger argument for new chairs vs a new printer, or your child who manipulates you into buying them a toy that they don’t need, or your partner convincing you to go on holiday to a place you’re really not interested in.
All of this requires some level of negotiating skills. Being an accomplished negotiator can create opportunities and open doors with the potential to change your fortunes; particularly professionally.
That’s why it’s one of our Uniquely Human Skills; the skills that differentiate us from our computerised counterparts. We integrate them into all of our educational content in order to future-proof our students against the tech-dominated future that’s already upon us.
To get you on your way to becoming a master, Rob Stokes (our chairperson) has some practical tools that you can start using right away. It’s a couple of years old now, but the advice is timeless.
“Conflict is good in a negotiation process. It’s the clash of two ideas, which then, all being well, produces a third idea.” – Luke Roberts
Happy negotiating! #IAmASponge
