Achieving success in your career and life one conversation at a time

Our careers, our companies, our relationships and our lives succeed or fail, gradually then suddenly, one conversation at a time. Susan Scott

When we negotiate we do so through a series of conversations that began long before the topic occurred to either you or the one you are negotiating with. If you use the type of conversations called "fierce conversation" as explained in Susan's book especially as a way of life, you would realize that success in negotiating are accomplished gradually then suddenly.

The most valuable currency for successful negotiations is not money. Nor is it intelligence, attractiveness, self sufficiency, persuasiveness, title, multiple degrees or charisma. It is the relationship and the emotional capital. If a relationship lacks emotional capital, negotiations can be tough.

The most common outcome of communication is misunderstanding. In fact, the experience of being understood versus misinterpreted is so compelling, you could charge admissions. No matter how rigorously and diligent we prepare for negotiations, more will be reveal during our conversations. This means we should not "lock and load" regarding a request or solution we wish to present. Instead, stay open, probe for clarity and understanding. Slow the conversation down so that you can discover what it wants and needs to be about.

When this is the focus, the conversation will likely produce a complete solution which no one had considered.