What is Negotiation
Negotiation is a method by which people settle differences. It is a process by which compromise or agreement is reached while avoiding argument.
Stages of Negotiation
In order to achieve a desirable outcome, it may be useful to follow a structured approach to negotiation. The process of negotiation includes the following stages:
• Preparation. This stage involves ensuring all the pertinent facts of the situation are known in order to clarify your own position.
• Discussion. During this stage, individuals or members of each side put forward the case as they see it, i.e. their understanding of the situation. Key skills during this stage are questioning, listening and clarifying.
• Clarification of goals. From the discussion, the goals, interests and viewpoints of both sides of the disagreement need to be clarified. It is helpful to list these in order of priority.
• Negotiate towards a Win-Win outcome. This stage focuses on what is termed a Win-Win outcome where both sides feel they have gained something positive through the process of negotiation and both sides feel their point of view has been taken into consideration.
• Agreement. can be achieved once understanding of both sides’ viewpoints and interests have been considered. It is essential to keep an open mind in order to achieve a solution.
• Implementation. of a course of action. From the agreement, a course of action has to be implemented to carry through the decision.