There are many faculties people employ when trying to negotiate solutions for a problem, a challenge or a disagreement. The best end to the negotiation process is when both parties can reach a compromise. Flexibility is the key to compromise. This involves the skill of the generation of alternative ideas. This involves many different situations, in and out of the business world. Whether the situation is that one comes up with a great idea that others do not agree upon, or a person with whom one does not “get along” with, or a turf war involving surfers in Malibu beach…people in everyday life must compromise and negotiate.
This has very much to do with business, especially during the current times. Some of the key ingredients to this process involve having a positive attitude. The two parties meet on a ground that is mutual, in person, as emails and phone calls take away the aspect necessary to effective communication, which is facial expressions. Both parties must do their homework so that the issues are clearly defined with simple and direct facts regarding the conflict.
One should always take care as well, to determine the personalities of both parties entering the process of negotiation. Levels of trust must be established for a sincere and viable agreement to be reached. Both parties may go about this, by simply becoming acquainted with the other person with whom they are interacting. Establishing similarities and finding each other is on the same side. Any previous conflicts will only serve to hinder the process, by increasing the perceived differences and taking away from any of the previously mentioned similarities.
By finding common goals and objectives, both sides can focus on the task at hand, and reaching more satisfying conclusions. The focus should be on the future, and conflicts of the past must remain in the past. When both parties are being completely honest, and are focusing on facts, not emotions, they will be better able to communicate. Communication is tantamount to the resolution of problems, challenges or disagreements, and will bring a successful negotiation to fruition.
