- Written by Alana Billingham
There are two basic methods for negotiation; negotiation is a distributive process where the winner takes more gain than the loser, or negotiation is a collaborative process where the parties work together to craft solutions that work for all.
Each method has its strengths and applications.
Distributive process negotiations are ideal if the issue involves a one-off deal, where no relationship is needed between the parties after the conclusion of the negotiation. Distributive negotiations usually focus on the area in the middle of two anchored positions for settlement.
For example, the seller wants to sell their goods for $400,000 but the buyer only wants to pay $350,000. In this case, the area in the middle which is called the Zone of Possible Agreement, (or Zopa) is between $400,000 and $300,000. Usually a settlement is made in the middle of the Zopa and we all believe that’s fair because the concession is roughly the same for both parties.
Collaborative negotiation works best where the on-going relationship between the parties is important for their future work together or to uphold the deals that are agreed.
In the collaborative process we focus on each parties needs (tangible items) and concerns (intangible items) and the parties work towards making agreements on options that satisfy both sets of needs and concerns so everyone gains. The options are whole options not compromised ones.
Not only do we tend to get better outcomes for all parties using this method in business, but we also grow the relationship for next time and invest goodwill into the way we do business together.
I often tell my workshop groups that I know it sounds like ‘fairy time’ but if they trust me for a couple of days I can show them just how effective collaborative negotiation can be - and they can measure the results themselves in the bottom line.
Written by Alana Billingham, Managing Director, Senior Trainer & Consultant at Skillset
- Written by Alana Billingham
My answer is almost always the same: “Was it better than your BATNA?”.
People look at me blankly when I ask that question, so I thought I might explain it here.
BATNA stands for the ‘best alternative to no or to the negotiated agreement’.
You should never go to a negotiation without having thought about a BATNA. Your BATNA is your alternative option or options to get what you need. It might be working with a different supplier to keep within your budget, or taking an alternate job offer if you can’t get your pay expectations met. Essentially, it’s what else can you do, without the other party, to get the outcome you are hoping for?
Once you have settled on a BATNA, you should negotiate in good faith to see if you can reach a beneficial agreement together. But before you make a deal, consider how the deal stacks up against your BATNA. If the deal is better than the BATNA; take the deal. If the BATNA is better than the deal; employ the BATNA.
One more thing, it’s not usually a good idea to reveal your BATNA at the table. For example, if you say to a current employer “If you can’t meet my pay expectations, I’ll take a job elsewhere”, they may well invite you to do just that.
A BATNA isn’t supposed to be used as leverage. It’s a measuring stick so you can assess the value of your deal more objectively. Don’t get confused.
So next time you negotiate, go prepared – think about your possible BATNAs. Just having one will help you feel empowered because you know you have other options and if you measure your deal against your BATNA, you’ll know if you got a good deal.
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