When negotiation happens

Negotiation is one of the biggest challenges in growing a career.

We usually think of it in relation to getting a new job, asking for a raise, or requesting a more flexible work schedule.

But negotiation happens more often than we might like to admit…

  • A new project or opportunity arises, and it is not clear who will lead it.

  • An established workflow changes because team/company priorities have shifted.

  • Life circumstances arrive that change an individual colleague’s priorities.

The key in nearly every case is to recognize the moment, prepare the basics of what you need/want, and take time to process how you feel about the potential outcomes.

For most of us, each negotiation is a chance to learn. Almost always, you don’t get everything you want. That promotion or job title may come with added salary, but also with more responsibilities and ambiguity.

The chance to impact overall success by leading a new project is tempting, but can mean having to spend time thinking about learning styles, motivations, and how to hold each person accountable.

The important thing is to see that it is a negotiation, and practice. When you practice negotiating on the small things, you prepare yourself for the moments where everything is on the line.