Discuss how the negotiation experience actually happened, then consider the negotiating techniques that you have learned about, and then offer an explanation of how you could have conducted the negotiation better.

During the negotiation experience, I was able to effectively communicate my needs and goals while remaining open-minded to the other party’s concerns. Active listening was another technique I used to make sure I understood the other party’s position fully before I attempted to come up with a solution that would benefit both parties. This approach was successful, but I would have liked to use some other negotiating skills in order for me to be even more effective.

In the first place, I wish I’d done more research before the negotiations so I was better prepared to make decisions. By having an understanding of what my goals were before entering negotiations and being aware of the tradeoffs or concessions I may have to make, it would be easier for me to come up with a solution faster. By using problem-solving strategies like brainstorming together with the opposing party, we could have identified options neither of us considered before.

Ultimately by exploring these negotiating techniques prior to engaging in future negotiations can help improve one’s ability to come away with positive results regardless of whether you are bargaining for yourself or on behalf of someone else. While it’s important to not lose sight of the fact that this discussion should ultimately focus on finding some common ground, where both parties will feel happy with the outcome.