Negotiation. Bargaining. Arbitration. Compromise. Negotiation is communicating with another person to find a mutual agreement on an issue or transaction. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word negotiate originally meant “to tackle successfully”, as in “to clear on horseback a hedge, fence, or other obstacle.” Today, we negotiate to overcome the objections that keep us from achieving our goals.
Whether you know it or not, you’re in a negotiation process more often than you think. It can pop up when you receive a wrong order at a restaurant. It can pop up when you’re buying a vehicle, a home, or anything at a garage sale. Negotiation is a process, and the more familiar you are with it’s moving parts, the better you’ll be at clearing those fences.
1. Know What You Want
Remember: always consider what’s in it for you financially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, or professionally. Knowing where you want to take your horse may mean that the hurdle in front of you isn’t even necessary to clear. Carefully outline your objectives and remember that getting there doesn’t mean you have to go in a straight line.
