Negotiation is an art form, wherein understanding your negotiation style is akin to knowing the colours on your palette before you paint a masterpiece.
Are you a shark, swift and aggressive, or a turtle, patient and steady?
Perhaps you find yourself somewhere in between, balancing assertiveness with empathy.
Wherever you fall on this spectrum, awareness of your style is paramount for mastering the art of negotiation.
Sharks are known for their aggressive tactics.
They dive into negotiations with fervour, seeking to dominate and secure the best deal possible.
Their confidence is their weapon, and they are not afraid to use it to push their agenda forward.
However, while sharks may often come out on top, their approach can leave a trail of strained relationships and burnt bridges in its wake.
On the other end of the spectrum are the Turtles.
These negotiators take a slow and steady approach, carefully analyzing every detail and considering the long-term implications of their decisions.
They prioritize maintaining harmony and building rapport, sometimes even if it means looking over immediate gains.
While turtles may not always win every battle, their patience and resilience often pay off in the form of lasting partnerships and mutually beneficial agreements.
But what about those who find themselves somewhere in between?
These negotiators possess the agility to adapt their approach depending on the situation.
They know when to assert themselves like a shark and when to retreat into their shell like a turtle.
Their versatility allows them to navigate complex negotiations with aptness, finding creative solutions that satisfy all parties involved.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, the key to success lies in self-awareness. Take the time to reflect on your natural tendencies and how they impact your negotiation style. Are you more inclined to pounce on opportunities like a shark, or do you prefer to take your time and approach negotiations with caution like a turtle? Once you understand your style, you can leverage it to amplify your performance as a negotiator.
What we must know is, that it is not about being a shark or a turtle.
It is about being an effective negotiator.
Embrace your style, hone your skills, and always strive to find common ground. This will help you achieve your goals and build stronger relationships while leaving a positive impact on those you negotiate with.
