Business negotiations are always challenging, especially when the stakes are high. As pressure mounts and tensions rise, it is easy for emotions to get the best of us and cloud our judgment.
However, as a business professional, staying calm and composed under stressful situations is essential. In this blog, we will discuss some tips and techniques on how to remain calm and collected during high-risk business negotiations.
The 5 Second Rule
by Mel Robbins
⏱ 11 minutes reading time
🎧 Audio version available
Keep a Positive Mindset
Your mindset plays a huge role in how you approach negotiations. Therefore, it is essential to go into negotiations with a positive attitude. Avoid thinking about the worst-case scenarios and focus on the potential positive outcomes of the negotiation. The Law of Attraction teaches us that what we think about, we attract. So, if you want positive results in negotiations, keep a positive mindset.
Practice Active Listening
Active listening is a critical skill that can help you stay calm and collected during negotiations. When you actively listen, you pay close attention to the speaker and refrain from interrupting them. This approach enables you to gather information, better understand the speaker’s perspective, and respond in a helpful way.
Prepare and Practice
Preparation is vital when it comes to negotiations. Adequate preparation requires knowing your position, your opponent’s position, and the potential outcomes of the negotiation. Practice can also help you build your confidence and avoid nervousness. You must also flex your negotiation skills and practice tactics like mirroring, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
Maintain a Calm Demeanor
You must maintain a calm demeanor when negotiating, even when the other person tries to provoke you. Avoid getting defensive or reacting with anger. Instead, take a deep breath, think for a moment, and then respond respectfully. If you are unsure how to respond, ask for clarification or take a brief break to collect your thoughts.
Related: 12 Strategic Ways to Stay Calm Under Pressure
Take Breaks
Negotiations can sometimes be intense, and you may need to take a break to relax and regroup. Taking breaks can allow you to clear your head, process information, and develop new ideas. Breaks can also help diffuse tension and create opportunities for compromise.
Negotiations are not designed to be easy, but that doesn’t mean they have to be stressful. You can stay calm and collected under high-pressure negotiation situations by keeping a positive mindset, practicing active listening, preparing and practicing, maintaining a calm demeanor, and taking breaks. Remember, it takes time and practice to master these skills, so keep working on them and never give up. By doing so, you can become a more confident and effective business professional.
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