Business Negotiating Tips
Adopt a take-no-prisoners attitude
By Marcia A. Reed-Woodard
May 2, 2007-- Sekou Kaalund, Citigroup Securities & Fund Services' head of strategy, mergers & acquisitions, and planning, says Hostage at the Table: How Leaders Can Overcome Conflict, Influence Others, and Raise Performance by George Kohlrieser (Jossey-Bass; $27.95) reveals how psychological insights and proven techniques used in successful hostage negotiations can empower anyone who feels immobilized or held "hostage" in their business and personal relationships.
"Negotiation skills are paramount to success in a business environment [because of] client, employee, and shareholder relationships," he offers. Kaalund reports that the book has helped him enhance his conflict-resolution skills and negotiate more powerfully.
His key takeaways:
Never think like a hostage. Bolster your confidence and diminish feelings of powerlessness by identifying the choices you have and the potency you bring to bear on the negotiations.
Bond with your enemy. Establish a connection with all parties involved in negotiations, even when you may find them despicable. Refrain from demonizing others by remembering that the people are never the problem.
Talk your way to success. Discuss solutions that will satisfy negotiating parties. Explain how all parties can achieve their goals without undermining those of others.
Don't stop talking until you've reached an amicable agreement.
I'd like to meet:
I'd like to meet a one in a million lady. Firstly, she must be God-loving and God-fearing. I'd like to meet a woman who takes more pride from her internal beauty than her physical yet keeps herself humble. Of course she's aware of physical 'fine-ness' but appreciates her faults. She'd have to love laughter, but as much as she can laugh she'll make others laugh.
I'd also like to meet a lady who will help me to shop and decorate my new apartment...because I could use it.
Heroes:
GOD, THE HEAVENLY FATHER. I'd have to say after His Holiness, all those who have navigated the troubled waters of time and stood against the evils of "the day" in the hopes of progress and a better world.
