04/9/2024 Podcast reflection

Today's Podcast:

Ted Talks Daily: How to ask for more- and get it

Curiosity is key in negotiation. Asking open-ended questions helps you gather more information. Instead of relying on closed questions that lead to one-word answers, aim for questions that encourage conversation. Interestingly, the best questions don’t always end with a question mark. Starting with "Tell me" can be a powerful way to begin. For example, “Tell me about your holidays” or “Tell me about your salary range” are hard to answer with just a simple "yes" or "no."

Before negotiating with others, it’s crucial to negotiate with yourself. Take the time to reflect, write down your objectives, and gather data that will support you during the negotiation. Another important technique is silence—sometimes it’s best to stay quiet. A three-second pause can create space for a higher-value move and may make the other party more curious and willing to seal the deal.

Once the deal is done, your adversary becomes your partner. So, it's important to remember that a successful negotiation sets the stage for future collaboration.

I took a negotiation class as one of my electives and found the group negotiation project quite challenging. However, it was one of the most practical courses, with real-world simulation projects. Some of the techniques mentioned in today’s podcast are things I’ve applied in my work. I was once unexpectedly put into a sales role, and I realised that instead of constantly talking or sending messages to clients, giving them space sometimes makes them come to you. It’s also important to ask questions before making offers—understanding their needs is far more valuable than just presenting how great your product is. After all, they might not even need what you’re offering.