Building Partnerships That Last with Google's Jim Daly

In our latest "Deal Talk" episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jim Daly. Jim is a leader of a deal-making team at Google, a creative thinker, coach, author, product enthusiast, and father. He talked about how negotiation skills, building relationships, and effective communication are crucial to building lasting partnerships.

Here are 6 key takeaways from our discussion:

1. Negotiation is Partnership

Jim said successful negotiation is all about partnership. This includes working with both internal partners (your colleagues and stakeholders) and external partners (clients or business partners). Building strong relationships with these partners is crucial for successful negotiations.

2. Mastering Internal Negotiations

Internal negotiations can often be the most challenging. You need to persuade internal stakeholders and understand their values to align them with your negotiation goals. Jim shared how he gains internal alignment by authentically showing up and serving others.

3. Remaining Aware of Cultures

Understanding cultural differences is crucial in international negotiations. Jim highlighted how cultural training helped him build strong relationships with partners in India. Recognizing and respecting these differences can lead to more effective and meaningful partnerships.

4. Building Relationships

Building and maintaining relationships is a recurring theme in Jim’s approach. He underscored that relationships, even virtual ones, can be powerful and long-lasting. Personal connections and mutual respect often transcend business transactions and can lead to lifelong partnerships.

5. Staying Agile

Jim suggests negotiators should be adaptable and proactive in learning about the cultural dynamics of their counterparts. This can involve formal cultural training or self-directed research. Understanding how business practices and negotiation styles vary across different regions can make or break the deal you're chasing.

6. Remaining Productive and Energized

Jim and I also discussed strategies for staying productive and energized in our busy lives. We both agreed on the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and continuous learning. These strategies not only improve personal well-being but also enhance professional performance.

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Whether you’re negotiating a multi-million dollar deal or simply negotiating with your team, Jim's tips will help you build lasting partnerships.

You can listen to the full episode of Deal Talk for more in-depth tips and stories from Jim.