Learn to measure negotiation success and make real progress by using feedback effectively in your strategy.

Steven Covey says “The biggest problem in communication is that we listen to reply and not to understand”. We must always try to understand their concerns and fears so we can dimension when we need to make a shift in approach or strategy.

Last updated on Jul 5, 2024

Here's how you can gauge progress and success in negotiation using feedback.

Negotiating can often feel like navigating through a fog of uncertainty, but incorporating feedback is like turning on the headlights, illuminating your path to success. By actively seeking and analyzing feedback, you can measure your progress, adjust your strategies, and ultimately enhance the effectiveness of your negotiations. Whether you're bargaining for a salary increase, closing a business deal, or resolving a conflict, understanding how to gauge your negotiation progress using feedback can be a game-changer. It's about listening, adapting, and steering the negotiation toward a mutually beneficial outcome. So, let's delve into the ways you can use feedback to navigate the negotiation process and emerge successfully.

1 Set Goals

Before diving into any negotiation, it's crucial to set clear, measurable goals. These objectives will serve as benchmarks throughout the process, allowing you to assess whether the feedback you're receiving aligns with your desired outcomes. Think about what you want to achieve and identify what success looks like for you. This could be a specific price point, a contract term, or simply a positive relationship with the other party. By having these targets in mind, you can use feedback to determine if you're on track and make necessary adjustments to your approach.

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Ayuli Jemide

Solicitor || Public Speaker || Author || Adjunct Professor
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I agree that goals need to be set to keep a meter on how well you are doing. We should always ask: What are the key gain that I will make me define this negotiation as a success? In all the most important goal to set is to find out what is most important to the counterparty. I find it very useful to ask the counterparty - what will make you feel this negotiation has been a success? Knowing what they want is just as important as what you want.

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2 Seek Feedback

Once your goals are set, actively seek feedback from the other party during the negotiation. This can be verbal cues, body language, or direct comments on your proposals. Pay attention to what is said and, just as importantly, what is left unsaid. This information is invaluable for understanding the other party's perspective and interests. It allows you to tailor your approach, address concerns, and build rapport. Remember, feedback is not just about hearing what you want to hear; it's about gathering honest insights that can guide your negotiation strategy.

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Ayuli Jemide

Solicitor || Public Speaker || Author || Adjunct Professor
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Henry’s rule of business say “Everyone is willing to give you something for whatever it is they desire the most “ To know what people desire the most you must pay attention to answered questions, unanswered questions, gestures, voluntary information, silence, micro-expressions, eye contact or averted eye contact, body movements. All these must be read in conjunction with the triggers that elicit reactions. Always ask Why? What? Where? When? and How? The more questions you ask the more you decipher.

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3 Analyze Cues

Interpreting the feedback you receive is a subtle art. Look for both verbal and non-verbal cues that indicate the other party's reactions to your proposals. Are they leaning forward with interest, or crossing their arms in resistance? Do they seem enthusiastic or hesitant when discussing certain points? These signals can help you adjust your tactics in real-time. By analyzing these cues, you can gauge the effectiveness of your communication and negotiation techniques, allowing for more strategic decision-making as the process unfolds.

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Athul Haridas
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Feedback isn't always a neat package with a bow on top. Sometimes, the most important information comes from the little things: a furrowed brow, a tight smile, or even the way someone fidgets with their pen. It's like deciphering a secret code! These nonverbal cues can be gold. Notice if someone leans in when you're talking about a specific idea – that's a sign they're engaged. But if arms are crossed and eyebrows are furrowed, it might be time to adjust your approach.

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4 Adjust Tactics

Feedback should not only be collected but also acted upon. If you notice that certain arguments or offers are not being well-received, it's time to adjust your tactics. Perhaps you need to provide more information to alleviate concerns or offer alternative solutions that might be more appealing. Adjusting your tactics based on feedback can help you overcome obstacles and move closer to an agreement. It's a dynamic process that requires flexibility and the willingness to pivot when necessary.

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Ayuli Jemide

Solicitor || Public Speaker || Author || Adjunct Professor
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Steven Covey says “The biggest problem in communication is that we listen to reply and not to understand”. We must always try to understand their concerns and fears so we can dimension when we need to make a shift in approach or strategy.

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5 Reflect Periodically

Periodic reflection throughout the negotiation process is vital. Take a step back regularly to review the feedback you've received and evaluate your progress toward your goals. Are you closer to reaching an agreement, or are there still significant gaps? Have you built a stronger rapport with the other party, or are there trust issues that need to be addressed? Reflecting on these questions can provide you with clarity and direction, ensuring that you remain focused on achieving your negotiation objectives.

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Athul Haridas
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Negotiation can feel like you're constantly on a tightrope, trying to balance your needs with the other side's. That's why taking a breather every now and then is crucial. It's like stepping off the tightrope for a quick pitstop. During this pitstop, think about the conversation like a movie you're pausing. Rewind a bit and see what's working. Are their responses warming up to your ideas? Fast forward a bit – are you still on track to reach your goals, or do you need to adjust your approach? This reflection is your chance to check the compass and see if you're headed in the right direction. Are you building bridges of trust, or are there cracks that need repair?

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6 Build Relationships

Finally, remember that negotiation is not just about the immediate deal; it's also about building relationships for future interactions. Positive feedback often indicates that you're not only moving toward your goals but also establishing a foundation of trust and respect with the other party. This can lead to more successful negotiations in the future. By valuing the relationship aspect of negotiation and using feedback to foster a positive dynamic, you're setting the stage for ongoing collaboration and success.

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Ankur Jain

Operations, Global Supply Chain, Digital Transformation and Consulting Leader | Analytics, Business Intelligence and Program Manager | Mentor | CLSSBB
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Gauging progress and success in negotiations involves building strong relationships and using feedback effectively. For example, during a supplier contract negotiation, establish trust by understanding their needs and showing genuine interest. Regularly solicit feedback on your proposals and listen actively to their concerns. This feedback helps you adjust your approach to align better with mutual goals. Track milestones such as agreements reached and concessions made, and assess the overall tone and willingness to collaborate. By fostering a positive relationship and incorporating feedback, you can measure the negotiation's progress and increase the chances of a successful, long-term partnership.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can gauge progress and success in negotiation using feedback.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set Goals

2 Seek Feedback

3 Analyze Cues

4 Adjust Tactics

5 Reflect Periodically

6 Build Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Negotiation

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Here's how you can gauge progress and success in negotiation using feedback.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set Goals

2 Seek Feedback

3 Analyze Cues

4 Adjust Tactics

5 Reflect Periodically

6 Build Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Negotiation

Rate this article

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