Communication and negotiation

Question 1

Good negotiation skills may include what?

Answer 1

1. Agreeing your clients objectives and negotiating strategy before the start of the negotiations
2. Detailed research and preparation
3. Preparing your ‘win-win’ and gall back positions and areas of common ground
4. Deciding what points you can given on and non-negotiables
5. Understanding the other party’s position
6. Creating a constructive environment for the negotiations
7. Considering the method of communication
8. Developing a partnership/collaborative approach
9. Recognising the achievement of your best position for agreement
10. Maintain communication
11. Walk away when you need to

Question 2

What forms of communication are there?

Answer 2

1. Verbal
2. Non-verbal
3. Written
4. Graphic
5. Presentation
6. Listening

Question 3

What are barriers to effective communication?

Answer 3

1. Language
2. Technical Language Barriers
3. Disinterest
4. Bias
5. Interruptions

Question 4

What do you think about email communication?

Answer 4

1. Effective as there is a written trail
2. Downside is it is easy to be get ignored
3. No personal contact so harder to build relationships

Question 5

What is the benefit of formally documenting meetings?

Answer 5

It can be easily referred to and ensures that all points discussed will get actioned

Question 6

What are the steps for preparing for a negotiation?

Answer 6

1. Identify what is being negotiated and do background research
2. Identify what can be offered and what is non-negotiable (what can be conceded)
3. Plan your approach to the negotiation

Question 7

What presentation skills do you use?

Answer 7

1. Clear communication
2. Visual aids
3. Eye contact

Question 8

Tell me some good negotiation skills.

Answer 8

1. Detailed research and preparation
2. Decide what is and isn’t negotiable
3. Good attitude
4. Flexible where necessary
5. Have fall back

Question 9

What makes successful negotiations?

Answer 9

1. Preparation and collating supporting documentation
2. Be flexible but also know what is non-negotiable
3. Remain calm and professional - dont interrupt

Question 10

What are the steps for preparing for a negotiation?

Answer 10

1. Identify what is being negotiated and do background research
2. Identify what can be offered and what is non-negotiable (what can be conceded)
3. Plan your approach to the negotiation

Question 11

What happens during a negotiation meeting?

Answer 11

Both parties state their case and position and outline what they would like to achieve

Question 12

Why do you think discussing matters in person can be effective?

Answer 12

1. It helps build trust and create better relationships
2. Better collaboration and productivity
3. Better non-verbal understanding (body language)