Qualities of a Good Negotiator

Skilled Negotiator

For a long time, people have engaged in negotiations, and it is evident that a handful of social attributes and personal characteristics contribute to successful negotiations. For one to be an excellent negotiator, there are several skills that are worth developing if one hopes to improve his negotiation skills. These skills will help one to overcome conflicts, assess situations, and adapt to some unexpected developments (Reardon, 2004). This report endeavors to explain the impact the course material on negotiation has had on me. The numerous ways it has helped me in the interaction with other people, improvement in relationships with friends, family, business occasions and with my instructor.

I have learned to use different traits, strategies, and tactics to negotiate various purchases, conflicts, and deals successfully. When my classmates argue and disagree, I am able to arbitrate and come up with an amicable solution. I am able to achieve this through problem analysis. I have realized that I should have the skill to analyze a problem as an effective negotiator. This will foster my ability to determine the interests of each party in the negotiation. A problem analysis that is detailed identifies the issues, the outcome goals, and the interested parties. Identifying the issues for both sides helped me to find a compromise for both parties that were in dispute.

I have learned it is important to be an active listener. According to research and study, I have realized it is very important to listen to the other person whilst establishing the possible areas of concession in the meeting. I have gained the skills to listen actively to other people during a debate unlike of spending a lot of time expounding the virtues of my viewpoint (Galoozis, 2010).

Taking this course has also made me appreciate the importance of emotional control during negotiations. Most importantly, I have the ability to keep my emotions in check during any negotiation. Sometimes, conciliation on controversial issues can cause frustration, allowing the emotions to take charge during the negotiation leading to unfavorable results. For example, when employees are negotiating for a pay rise with the management, they sometimes get emotionally involved when they have to accept any form of compromise taking an all-or-nothing approach. This breaks down communication among negotiating individuals leading to prolonged strikes by the lectures. This directly affects me as a student as my studies are interrupted

Verbal communication is essential in any negotiation. All negotiators must have the ability to communicate effectively and clearly to the other side during negotiations. I have realized that misunderstandings can occur if I do not state my case clearly. In any negotiation that I get it, I must have the skill to state my desired outcome and my reasoning.

Collaboration and teamwork are something the coursework has instilled in me. As an effective negotiator, I have the skill to foster a collaborative atmosphere and work together during negotiations. I always work together with my classmates whether during group discussions and reach, agreeable solutions in the end. This mainly happens during group discussions relating to a term paper and every member of the group has varying answers.

Problem solving is another incredible skill that I must have as a negotiator. The skill fosters one's ability when establishing solutions to problems. I always focus on solving the predicament and not on the ultimate goal for negotiation. I focus on solving problems, which may be because of communication breakdown, to benefit both parties of the issue.

It is wise and advisable to prepare for the meeting in advance. Preparation includes determining areas for trade, goals, and alternatives for the stated goals. Negotiators also study the history of the relationship of parties, common goals, and past negotiations. Past outcomes and past precedents can set the tone for present negotiations. This mainly takes place in business situations. For instance, when one is about to buy goods from a supplier, he must first identify the location where the trading will take place, the main goal for the meeting with the supplier, and the possible alternatives in case the deal backfires. This means that all business deals require negotiation (Lum, 2005).

As a negotiator, I have learned that interpersonal skills are essential for any negotiation that I take part it. This is helpful in maintaining good working relations with those individuals that I negotiate with. The existence of patience cannot be underestimated. This is useful when persuading the other party without the use of manipulation, especially when they are adamant. It is also advisable for a negotiator to adopt reliability and ethical skills. This promotes a trusting environment for negotiations. Both parties in a negotiation must trust one another that each one of them will follow through on agreements and promises. I have learned to execute on my promises after bargaining ends.