How can you use negotiation to improve your work environment?

1 Identify your goals

Before you start a negotiation, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. Think about your current situation, and what aspects of your work environment are affecting your performance, satisfaction, or well-being. For example, do you need more feedback, resources, training, or collaboration? Do you want to change your schedule, location, or responsibilities? Write down your goals and prioritize them according to their importance and urgency.

3 Plan your strategy

After you have your options and alternatives, you need to plan your strategy for the negotiation. This means deciding how to approach, frame, and present your goals, and how to respond to your employer's reactions, questions, or objections. You should also consider the timing, location, and format of the negotiation, and who else should be involved or consulted. You should aim for a win-win outcome, where both parties gain value and satisfaction from the agreement.

4 Communicate effectively

During the negotiation, you need to communicate effectively with your employer, and use your emotional intelligence, listening, and persuasion skills. You should start by expressing appreciation and respect, and building rapport and trust. Then, you should explain your goals and reasons, and highlight the benefits and value for both sides. You should also ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and acknowledge your employer's concerns or interests. You should avoid making assumptions, accusations, or ultimatums, and focus on finding common ground and mutual solutions.

5 Handle objections

One of the most challenging parts of negotiation is handling objections, which are the reasons or arguments that your employer gives for not agreeing to your goals. You should not take objections personally, or see them as rejections or attacks. Instead, you should see them as opportunities to understand your employer's perspective, and to address their issues or doubts. You can do this by using the LAER model: listen, acknowledge, explore, and respond. You should listen to the objection without interrupting, acknowledge it without agreeing or disagreeing, explore it by asking clarifying questions or requesting evidence, and respond by providing counterarguments or alternatives.

6 Close the deal

The final step of negotiation is closing the deal, which is reaching an agreement that satisfies both parties. You should not rush or pressure your employer to close the deal, but rather confirm that you have covered all the important points, and that there are no misunderstandings or ambiguities. You should also summarize the main terms and benefits of the agreement, and express gratitude and enthusiasm. You should also ask for a written confirmation or documentation of the agreement, and follow up with any actions or commitments that you have agreed to.

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?