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Negotiation Feedback

I am taking a Negotiation class (link), and one of the valuable learnings from the program is the peer feedback.

Just dived deep into some peer feedback and, wow, it's been a ride. Sharing some of the gems and goof-ups here, because why not?

Good Stuff 😃

Making Connections

Picture walking into a room, and instead of jumping right into business, you start with, "How's your day going?" That's where the real conversation starts. I've learned to:

  • Embrace the quiet moments, seeing them as chances to let the other person think a bit more, maybe even second-guess their next move.
  • Whip out the whiteboard to jot things down and turn complex ideas into pictures that keep everyone tuned in.
  • Those small nods or direct eye contact? That's my way of showing, "I'm all ears," building trust bit by bit.

Holding My Ground

There's a knack for standing firm without making things tense. Like that time, I stuck to my guns but kept the chat open and friendly, hitting that sweet spot where everyone walks away feeling good. Here's what works for me:

  • Tackling ideas head-on but keeping it cool. It's more about asking the right questions than questioning the person.
  • Really listening, even when you're itching to jump in. It's about digging deeper into what's being said.
  • And when I talk? I make sure to cut through the clutter, so what I'm saying lands just right, making sure the important stuff gets the spotlight.

Not So Good Stuff 🙁

Revisiting Give-and-Take

Jumping into negotiations, I've been too focused on what I want, maybe not seeing the bigger picture where everyone wins. The feedback has been like a wake-up call, showing me that there's more to the game than just securing my side of the deal.

  • I tend to stick to my first plan and sometimes miss the chance to work together for something better that benefits us all.
  • I get caught up in my approach and overlook creative solutions that could really make everyone happier.

Getting the Team on the Same Page

In my role leading the team, my direction wasn't always as clear or inclusive as it needed to be. It's become evident that syncing with my team leads to better results, highlighting the importance of moving forward together.

  • At times, I've made decisions without gaining full consensus from the team, leading to some dissonance and confusion.
  • I've realized that I need to be more fully transparent with my thoughts and rationales, making it challenging for the team to engage deeply with the strategy and goals.

Taking in all this feedback has been a bit like looking in a mirror after a wild night out—useful but kinda intense. I'm pumped to use what I've learned to improve my game and connect better with people in the future.