Biz Chicks Rule | Who Says It's a Man's World?

The Negotiator

by Bridget Wright on October 14th, 2007

Remember the 1998 action movie “The Negotiator”? Samuel Jackson, a negotiator himself, had to prove his own innocence and would only talk with another master negotiator, Kevin Spacey. The movie very dramatically displays how important successful negotiations are in finding answers to serious problems. In the film, successful negotiations were worth a man’s life.

In the business world, successful negotiations are no less serious. They drive economic flow, interest rates and corporate takeovers. In order for a woman in the business world to be successful at negotiating, she must be focused, sharp and ready to do business.

Women who are in business negotiating positions have an “interesting” job. They are responsible for making sure both sides agree amicably, all while ensuring that the company they respresent enjoys a healthy bottom line.

Since there are significant negotiating styles amongst the males and females, it is imperative that the female business person concentrates not only on happy negotiations, but keeps clear focus on negative perceptions in her role as the customer liason.

Here are some things the negotiator can do to ensure success in making both sides agree:

• Establish a healthy working relationship with your business partners. Focus on fostering open communications and  creating a trusting environment.

• Implement an orderly process for negotiations and poignantly keep the negotiations on course.

• Create a cooperative, problem-solving attitude so that conflict issues can be easily discussed and resolved.

• Be well versed in the negotiation topic and issues.

• Have a formalized plan that includes goals and alternatives.

With these tips, you can be assured that your negotiations will perform successfully without reservations.

Share This

Related Stories

• Master Negotiator Teri Gault Shares Tips for Haggling

POSTED IN: Negotiations, Work-Life Balance