Negotiation skills are not just for boardroom deals or high-stakes sales. Whether you are looking to get a better deal on your phone contract, secure a pay rise, or simply agree on where the team goes for lunch, being able to negotiate well is a must-have skill for everyone. In the modern UK workplace, strong negotiation and influencing skills let you achieve your goals, build great relationships and make sure everyone leaves the table with a smile. If you are ready to up your negotiation game, you are in the right place!
Understand What You Really Want (and Need!)
Before you enter any negotiation, take a moment to get clear on your own goals. What are your must-haves, and what can you be flexible about? For example, if you are discussing project deadlines, is it the delivery date you care about most, or is it the quality of the finished work? Jot down your non-negotiables and your nice-to-haves. This helps you stay focused and avoid giving away something crucial just to keep the peace. A little self-reflection before you start can save a lot of headaches later on!
Do Your Homework
Knowledge is power, and that is never truer than in negotiation. Gather as much information as you can before you start talking. If you are negotiating a contract, know the current market rates, the other party’s priorities, and any potential alternatives. If you are discussing working arrangements, check your company’s policies, what has worked for others, and what the risks are. The more you know, the more confident you will feel—and the more persuasive you will be.
Build Rapport (It Is Not All About Business)
People are far more likely to say yes to someone they like and trust. Spend a minute or two building rapport before you dive into the details. Ask about their weekend, show genuine interest in their challenges, or find some common ground. In the UK, a bit of friendly small talk is never wasted! Even in tough negotiations, respecting the other person and showing you care about their needs will help keep things positive and productive.
Listen More Than You Talk
It is tempting to start pitching your case straight away, but great negotiators know the real power comes from listening. Ask open questions and really hear the answers. What is driving the other person’s requests? What are their underlying concerns? Maybe a colleague who is pushing back on a deadline is worried about being overloaded. When you listen, you uncover what really matters to them—and that gives you more ways to find a win-win solution. Plus, feeling heard helps everyone relax and work together.
Keep Calm and Stay Flexible
Negotiations can get heated, especially when stakes feel high. If you sense tension rising, take a breath and keep your cool. Remember, it is not personal—it is just business! Be ready to adapt as the conversation unfolds. If your first suggestion is knocked back, do not dig in your heels. Instead, ask for their ideas on how to move forward. Flexibility is key to finding creative solutions that work for everyone. And if things get stuck, suggest taking a short break to regroup. Sometimes a cuppa is all you need!
Always Aim for Win-Win
The best negotiations are not about winning at someone else’s expense. Look for solutions where both sides walk away feeling good. Maybe you can trade something you value less for something you value more, or agree to review terms again in a few months. When both parties feel like winners, you build trust for next time and keep the relationship strong. In the long run, that is far more valuable than getting your way just once.
Take Action: Ready to Boost Your Negotiation and Influencing Skills?
Negotiation is a skill anyone can learn and improve—and the benefits go way beyond the boardroom. If you want to practise these techniques, gain more confidence in real-world situations, and see better results at work, our Negotiation and Influencing Skills Training Course is the perfect next step. Packed with practical tips, hands-on activities, and a friendly UK approach, you will walk away ready to win those everyday negotiations with confidence. Find out more and book your place here!
