What is Negotiation? These are the goals, stages and things you need to pay attention to

You have probably heard the term negotiation often, but what is negotiation actually? In fact, there are still many people who don't understand that negotiation requires special skills.

Negotiation itself is a two-way communication process that aims to reach mutual agreement for various interests.

Is a form of discussion, negotiation is usually carried out to obtain an agreement. Therefore, negotiations usually consist of many parties. Getting an agreement is not easy.

Several stages of negotiation must be carried out to achieve this. Apart from that, several factors also influence whether the negotiation process can run smoothly or vice versa. One of them is the attitude of both parties which could influence the outcome of the agreement.

Want to find out more about negotiation? Read this article to understand how negotiation can be one of the basic skills in business!

Definition of Negotiation

Negotiation is a term used to refer to a discussion to solve a problem. In negotiations, the problem resolution is expected to be acceptable to both parties.

Negotiations involve give and take. In other words, in the negotiation process there are also parties who need to make sacrifices to achieve the best mutual agreement for both parties.

Negotiations can be carried out in business between sellers and buyers, superiors and employees, and many more. Negotiation is a situation that we can do every day during our activities, whether consciously or unconsciously.

So actually, what is the purpose of negotiations? The aim is as a discussion process to reach agreement. The purpose of negotiations is also so that something can be done immediately with the agreement of the parties involved.

After knowing what negotiation is, of course you need to know the stages so you don't take the wrong steps in practicing it.

Negotiation Stages

Apart from involving interested parties, you also need to know the stages of negotiation so that the process is smoother and more successful. The following are the stages of negotiation that you need to understand:

Preparation

Before starting what form negotiations take, there are several questions that can make you better prepared for negotiations:

• What would you ideally like to get?
• What do you want your realistic expectations to be?
• What deals are you ready to do?
• What will happen if negotiations fail?

In the negotiation preparation stage, you can also look for as much information as possible. Starting from the person who will be negotiated with to the topics that will be discussed.

Carrying out the preparation stage will help negotiations to be more effective.

Exchange Information

After making preparations, you are ready to negotiate. If the person you are talking to is smart enough, of course he or she will also have prepared themselves for the negotiation process they will face. At this stage, both parties will express their expected wishes.

Please remember, in negotiations it is not certain that all your wishes can be achieved. However, an effective negotiation process actually allows the negotiating parties to have other ideas.

Bargaining Process

When both parties enter the argumentation stage, that is where the negotiation process or what is called bargaining begins. In the negotiation process, the main key is to listen to the opinion of the other person and avoid making a dismissive attitude.

Please note that the negotiation process will not always run smoothly. Therefore, you need to focus on solutions for both parties without making it seem like your interests are the most important.

Agreement

When both parties are satisfied with the results of the discussion and the solution, this is the final stage of negotiations, namely closing the agreement. The next stage is to express ideas as solutions, both orally and in writing.

The agreed idea or solution is usually better because it outlines the position of each negotiating party. Apart from that, if one of the parties does not follow the results of the agreement, of course strict measures can be given.

Deciding Factors During Negotiations

Some people may be good negotiators, but there are also those who are not. For those of you who are still learning to negotiate, here are the things that determine whether negotiations will be more effective:

Attitude

Both your attitude and that of the person you are talking to really determine the negotiation process. All stages of negotiation are based on the attitudes of both parties in facing problems that require discussion.

However, attitude is also determined by personality and perspective. Focus on solutions to common problems so that discussions are more effective without negative arguments.

Knowledge

It is important to prepare when you want to negotiate, because it gives us knowledge. So what kind of knowledge is needed?

Some of them are knowledge of the subject of discussion and your own main goals in negotiating.

Interpersonal Skills

Having good interpersonal skills will make negotiations more effective. These interpersonal skills include; effective communication, how to listen to the other person, problem solving and decision making.

You can learn these interpersonal skills in everyday life. Not only does it apply in negotiations, but for other things it can make all discussions more effective and enjoyable.

Want to learn more about the art of negotiation, especially in the business sector? Take the Applied Negotiation Technique training program from prasmul-eli. In this program, you will be taught how to negotiate to gain sales profits in business.

The program is held over two days with comprehensive learning material and guided by experienced lecturers in communication and business. The duration is short, suitable for those of you who want to develop skills without interrupting activities.

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