This week, our colleagues participated in the second session of an ongoing negotiation skills workshop, part of our broader initiative to support personal and professional growth.
The training, titled “Negotiate to Win: Essential Skills for Bilateral Negotiation,” focuses on key negotiation skills that are crucial for our colleagues. Working in an international environment, we often collaborate with people from various countries and cultures, making these skills vital for success. As a multicultural and multinational institute with staff representing over 20 different European nationalities, our institute offers a unique context for applying and refining these skills. By learning from our in-house experts, our people are empowered to navigate complex negotiation scenarios more effectively.
The sessions involved interactive simulations and real-world scenarios helping our colleagues apply negotiation strategies in practical ways.
3 Key Takeaways from the Training:
- Be aware of cultural differences: Recognising the impact of cultural differences is essential in negotiation. Being aware of norms like body language, communication styles, and conflict resolution approaches is crucial. Trust-building can vary, with some cultures emphasising formal processes and others valuing personal relationships. A successful negotiator is flexible, adapting tactics to diverse cultural contexts, negotiation protocols, and communication styles to achieve better outcomes.
- Setting clear goals and a BATNA: Define clear objectives before entering negotiations and strategise to achieve them. Always know your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) to strengthen your position.
- Win-win mindset: Aim for mutual benefit by finding common ground and expanding the pie rather than competing over limited resource.
At EIPA, we are not just focused on the tasks at hand – we are constantly building a strong internal knowledge base. This helps our colleagues stay ahead of challenges with confidence and professionalism. Regular training like this ensures our team is always growing and improving.
Thank you to our experts Frank and Paul, participants felt that the practical exercises were helpful as it allowed them to put theory into practice and learn from one another.
Curious about #WorkingAtEIPA? We believe in continuous learning and fostering an environment where our people thrive!
