Negotiation is simply a part of life. Often disputes occur due to conflicts of interest. When both parties want to communicate, have similar goals, and have an interest in collaboration, for example, then the parties should be able to work together to find appropriate solutions. During this process, negotiation comes into the picture. It is possible that conflicts are it with seniors, peers, subordinates, other stakeholders, or friends can be resolved with a fruitful negotiation. However, at times, emotions can run high. This can become frustrating. While at times conflicts cause harm, sometimes conflicts turn out to be beneficial for you and for the other person. This may be in your professional as well as personal relationships. What is important is that you should find ways to work together to resolve issues constructively. Avoiding or surprising negative feelings can result in longer-term and potentially more serious disputes. On the positive side, conflicts play a vital role in enhancing your creativity and potentially inspiring you and your team to be their most productive when you are all aligned.
Whether it is your professional life or personal life, there will always be negotiations and the need to settle disagreements. With companies promoting collaborative environments more oriented towards collectivism than individualism there is a need for even greater communication to avoid conflict. Think of the many negotiations that need to be addressed throughout the day and week. Negotiation and conflict resolution are like partners which go hand in hand. Hence, if you expand your knowledge base and understand key elements of negotiation then your approach will be more successful in both your professional as well as personal life.
One of the most significant negotiation techniques is the application of collaboration effect in both your personal as well as your professional life. In many negotiations, the situation involves your desire to maintain a long-term connection with the other party. It is essential to develop skills in competitive bargaining. When you do take the time to develop your skills this offers you the ability to avoid negative consequences in your personal as well as professional career. This is especially true if you have plans to maintain a long-term relationship with the other person.
Reasons Behind Conflicts in a Hybrid Environment
Here are some reasons why there can be conflicts in a hybrid environment
- The feeling of physical Isolation
- The boss making the decision and the employees do not understand why
- Following bureaucratic approaches that include rules and procedures without variances
- Negotiations with third parties
- Mutually dependent tasks with high-level goals
- Lack of interpersonal training
Rational and Emotional Elements of Negotiation
There are two levels of consideration in a negotiation. These are the rational cognitive decision-making process and the psychological (feelings) decision-making process. The rational, as well as the emotional elements, influence the outcome of a negotiation. In most cases, intangible components such as psychological factors affect negotiations, assumptions about the issue, and the other party. Taking the time to connect authentically with the other party, listening actively to understand, and educating them the way they want to be educated can build bridges and negotiate closure. Isn’t that what you want a negotiated closure to allow you to move on to the next challenge?
Negotiation with the help of an unbiased professional third party that can look at the facts, issues, and emotions behind the issues, and work to uncover interests can significantly impact the process. In many instances, their actions contribute in such a way that the process can appear to be seamless. You may want to consider bringing someone on board to assist with your process that has expertise in this area or someone to help train your staff.
Follow Up
Mike at Michael Gregory Consulting LLC has considerable experience in this area. With over 25 years of management experience at all levels, as a qualified mediator with the Minnesota Supreme Court, as a writer with 12 books and over 40 articles continually doing research in this area, and working with neuroscientists, he can assist you and your team. For more information visit https://mikegreg.com/mediation-and-conflict-resolution
