Leveraging a Woman's Natual Negotiation Talents

Overview: NAWBO-NW hosted Jeanette Nyden as keynote speaker at the Inland Northwest NAWBO  Leadership Workshop on October 14.  Nyden is the author of “Negotiation Rules”.  This is a short summary of what she taught us.

 
Leveraging a Woman's Natual Negotiation Talents

When it comes to negotiation, women and men have different strengths (and weaknesses). While women tend to describe negotiation as a way to get to goals, work with people, and meet halfway; men tend to describe negotiation as fun, a game, and sport.

While women natually advocate for the team and not herself, men natually advocate for self and not team.

Looking at women, here are 6 other attributes to note: Women are aware of the complete relationship; women negotiate within the relationship (not a separate act); lower self worth; empower vs. leverage power; brainstorm and problem solve; cultural biases work against us. Understanding the tendancies will help us work WITH them - and not against them.

Our advantage? Our ability to cooperate and collaborate.
Our disadvantage? Our propensity not to negotiate.

Following this information, Nyden continued with 10 negotiation tips for women.

1. Use a more expansive definition of negotiation.
2. Recognize when to make a "deal" and when to solve someone else's problem.
3. Double check all assumptions.
4. Stop "shoulding" all over the place.
5. Accept that there are hidden agendas at the bargaining table.
6. Use information to your advantage.
7. Learn to make credible threats.
8. Make the value of something visable.
9. Be more clear, precise and assertive when asking for things.
10. Get comfortable negotiation money.

written by: Heather Pieczonka, Director of Marketing & Communications