Planning 'key' to ensure good negotiation skills
Negotiators should be well prepared before entering a deal
21 July 2010
Good planning can help improve negotiation skills, it has been
claimed.
Drew Stevens, PhD, expressed his belief that planning can be the
most important step in ensuring negotiations progress smoothly.
He said: "Good planning and comprehension help to avoid miscues
and maintain proper and efficient conversation. Exemplars of good
negotiation techniques are barely surprised by new
information."
With careful preparation, negotiators can avoid many of the
pitfalls which often delay proceedings including improper
procedures, paperwork, or misread issues.
Mr Stevens detailed the importance of documenting events to
guarantee that both sides understand the details of the deal.
Clearer documentation will help facilitate a smoother
negotiation process as there will be no misunderstanding between
parties.
Furthermore, once the issues of the deal are formulated, Mr
Stevens advises firms to draw up a timetable so no single subject
takes up too much time.
"What appears urgent to one; is apathetic to another, but it is
imperative that issues be immediately addressed," he said.