5 Ways To Negotiate With Friends And Family
In any negotiation, the end result is for both parties to have a win-win outcome. Most negotiations, especially with people we are close with, can quickly escalate into heated arguments. This is because we have known our friends or family for a very long time hence understand which buttons to push to make them give up on the discussion. The strong personal relationships can either result in a constructive negotiation or hinder it. When negotiating with a close person, it is important to handle the conflict maturely as it helps us to understand their emotions, characters and needs better. Use the following 5 ways to negotiate with friends and family in a productive way.
1. Know When To End The Negotiation
While it can take time to reach a mutual agreement, if the discussion has been going on for a long time yet don’t see both of you coming to a settlement then it might be time to end it. Over negotiation often make people drag other issues instead of focusing on the main agenda of the discussion and often result in loss of interest.
2. Set Boundaries
Sometimes when negotiating with friends or family members, you can be easily swayed by consideration their good deeds. Whether they did something good to you and you haven’t returned the favor, set the limit by refusing to take anything said personally. That way you will consider the interest of both parties. If the negotiation is more of a business deal, then avoid bringing personal issues to the table. When negotiating with family members who are younger, know when to draw the line without assuming anything is non-negotiable.
3. Opt For A Win-win Outcome
Even in conflicts, it is crucial not to favor. Don’t make assumptions that just because your friend won the last negotiation, they are also going to win this time around. Do research on the topic and come to the bargaining table with the data to back up your discussion. You can even go further and politely ask questions to gain more clarity and understood the underlying issue. With better preparation, you can effectively navigate the negotiation and come up with a solution where both parties are happy with the outcome.
4. Listen And Identify The Emotions Involved
Negotiations among friends and family members often involve high emotions. While there is a place to show off your passion and extensive knowledge on that particular topic, avoid making the other person feel inferior. In case the discussion turns into an argument be the bigger person and diffuse the negative emotions. Remember, successful negotiations occur when there is aligned interest.
5. Get To Know The Other Party’s Interest
Most people see negotiation as a way to persuade friends or family members. With this perspective, you will poorly negotiate, and also fail to understand the other party’s needs and interests. Effective negotiation even among family members requires you to listen and understand what the other person is giving up so as to meet your demands. In the process, you can express your points reasonably while maintaining the healthy relationships.
