
These are the four kinds of negotiators you’re bound to find in business
According to Jeffrey, there are four main character archetypes when it comes to business negotiators. These are the ‘my way or the highway’ types, the ‘sweet talkers’, the ‘devils in the details’ kinda people, and the ‘let’s not rock the boat’ negotiators. It’s important that you understand how these different negotiators present themselves in a business situation, as by understanding how they tick, you’ll know how to beat them at their own game, here they are:1. “It’s my way or the highway”

?Somebody showcasing this behaviour is in it to win it. A hard nut to crack ? they?ll enter the meeting with a resolute idea about how they want it to pan out and will be prepared to fight their ground if necessary.” ? Denise Lousie JeffreySo how to deal with them? Jeffrey suggests that you should be proactive with these people. Instead of bowing to their dominant behaviour, call it out. Stand up to them by responding to their aggressive?behaviour with your own calmer, yet equally assertive behaviour.
?Be assertive, but without strong-arming them ? this is likely to end in conflict. Instead, make firm suggestions and back them up with strong, fact-based reasoning that can?t be argued against.?? They want you to stand down but don’t. Instead, when trying to negotiate with them in a deal, suggest an approach instead of demanding one aggressively (as they have done).
2.”The sweet talker”
The clue’s in the name here. The sweet-talking entrepreneur is receptive and enthusiastic as well as polite and friendly.“Mirroring the other person?s behaviour is the best way to get a favourable outcome in a settlement. If somebody is cooperative and receptive at the negotiation table, you want to mirror this behaviour because you?ll get the best results and most respect.?It’s important to remember that these sorts of characters are nice for a reason, they are usually influential and successful people, thus they have the confidence to come across as a benevolent and pleasant entrepreneur. If you encounter a sweet-talking character, Jeffrey says you should always be friendly back and operate on their level, there’s no point coming in aggressive if they’re not. Doing so could risk the validity of the deal, should they be turned off by your inappropriately aggressive approach.
3.”The devil’s in the details”

?The individual will want everything backed up by facts, and like a poker player, it?s likely they won?t show any emotion. Though they may come across as calculating and cautious, in the long run they want to come to an agreement that benefits both parties.?A positive aspect of this type of personality is that they’re patient, and would rather sit quietly through a detailed explanation of something than demand answers from the first second of talks. Jeffrey says preparation is the best thing you can do in advance of meeting this person, so get reading.
4. “Let’s not rock the boat”
Approach this sort of person in a calm way. Be aware of their cautious nature and make them feel comfortable. This character is cautious and unassertive, so it’s important that you don’t scare them off by coming into the conversation with all guns blazing. Leave any aggression at the door.“This behaviour signifies that the individual wants to keep the relationship intact. This is particularly common when entering a negotiation with a long-term client or somebody with whom there is already a relationship of value.”However, these characteristics also mean that they’re accommodating and dependable, which aren’t bad traits to have in the world of business, (a world that’s notorious for trickery and selfish behaviour). So, how do you negotiate with this type of person? You approach them slowly and steadily, says Jeffrey. This is perhaps the most enjoyable type of negotiation experience you can have with someone, as it can be more of a relaxed and gentle conversation rather than a battle.
Preparing for these interactions

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