Deals matter in business, but fighting for your interests can wreck relationships. The real goal is making sure both sides feel good about the outcome.

Here’s a better approach:

First, do your homework. Know exactly what you want and what they probably want too.

Ask questions like What would success look like for you? Really listen to their answers.

Then connect your goals to theirs. Say We both care about keeping customers happy if that’s true. (1/3)

Finally, offer real choices that help both of you. Give two or three options that respect everyone’s needs.

Key things to remember:
- Focus on the problem, not the person
- Give on things that don’t cost you much to gain what matters most

What not to do:
Don’t start with demands. Start by understanding what they really need.
Don’t miss how they’re feeling. If they seem worried, say so to show you’re paying attention. (2/3)

Always know your backup plan if the deal falls through. This keeps you from taking bad offers just to agree.

#DecisionMaking #CriticalThinking #ProblemSolving #Persuasion #Communication #Influence #Leadership #Management #Psychology #EmotionalIntelligence (3/3)