Communication and Negotiation

Question 1

Give me examples of good negotiation skills

Answer 1

”- Agreeing clients objectives and negotiation strategy before the negs commence
- Detailed research and prep/SWOT analysis
- Decide win-win, fallback and common ground
- What’s non-negotiable
- Understand other party’s position
- Develop collaborative approach
- Maintain communication always”

Question 2

Give me a example of where you have successully negotiated and what tactics did you use

Answer 2

…

Question 3

Can you please define what communication is?

Answer 3

The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing or using some other medium

Question 4

What are your views on email communications?

Answer 4

Need to take great care when sending emails
It is easy to release sensitive information to incorrect parties
Always take care to double check the recipients prior to issue
Even though emails appear less formal than written letters they can still have the ability to create contracts and form written instructions

Question 5

What is a negotiation?

Answer 5

• Discussion which are held to reach a compromise or agreement
• Parties through an informal or facilitated negotiation process agree to settle a dispute
• Concessions and non-negotiable items of each party are discussed
• Negotiations can be finalised either in line by line detail or high level

Question 6

What would you do following a negotiation meeting where a verbal agreement was made?

Answer 6

• I would look to formalise the verbal agreement as soon as possible
• This would be achieved through issue of written correspondence setting out what was discussed and agreed at the meeting
• Within the written communication I would request that the other party confirm agreement by written reply
• If confirmation was not received I would follow up with a verbal call reminding them to confirm back in writing

Question 7

What makes a successful negotiation?

Answer 7

• Good preparation and discussion prior to the meeting with the client about the concession and non negotiable items
• Good record keeping and presentation of written instructions / costed breakdowns that have been received
• The meeting should be held in a calm environment where both parties are given the opportunity to speak without interruption
• Take regular comfort breaks and time to review discussions in private with the client particularly in heated parts of the negotiations
• ## Following the agreements within the meeting I would like to formalise these in writing as soon as possible to avoid any confusion around what has been agreed

Question 8

What are communication barriers?

Answer 8

• use of technical jargon
• interuptions
  -prejudice and bias