Negotiation doesn't come natural to everyone, it’s a learned skill. Some negotiations are more difficult than others. Generally, negotiations start easy, concessions occur quickly as each party grabs low hanging fruit. As negotiations progress, discussions can become more difficult. It’s important to remain respectful to all parties involved, fair and above board. An agenda and list of items to be negotiated will help maintain focus. Communication is key, keep things moving. As things progress, with items of greater value at stake, we may encounter aggressive demands. This can be difficult, it’s important to always maintain good faith, remain focused and calm. Stick to the agenda, the facts, adhere to the game plan - the Musts and Wants.

In a tough negotiation with aggressive demands, it’s important to stay calm while remaining firm on your client’s priorities. Be persistent in advocating for what your client wants, but also recognize the value of flexibility. Look for areas where you can concede on minor points to create goodwill or leverage, helping to achieve a more favorable outcome. Balancing firmness with compromise allows you to protect your client’s interests without escalating tensions, ultimately leading to a more successful negotiation.

In tough negotiations with aggressive demands, stay calm and composed to avoid escalating tensions. Focus on understanding the underlying interests behind the demands, then propose solutions that address both parties' needs, highlighting common ground. Maintain a firm but flexible stance, using objective criteria to support your position and foster a collaborative atmosphere.

It's extremely important to read the room! The more key players the more delicate the approach to the negotiation needs to be to ensure most if not all parties perceive your proposal as a win win proposition. Especially when you come from position of strength, check your ego at the door, stay humble and let your opponent save face. How you win or loose the negotiation is more important than the outcome and sets the stage for future success.