Negotiation and Conflict Management Skills

The negotiation process is not difficult, but requires a certain amount of skill and training. Negotiations, whether between individuals, businesses or even nation-states are nothing more than a process in which concerned parties come to an agreement that serves everyone's best interests. Instead of one dominating or imposing power over the other, the parties attempt to reach a consensus in which everyone is satisfied. Business negotiation skills are valuable tools in this process. Negotiation, if successful, can decrease the problems associated with overt conflicts in the organizations. Negotiations are used not only by management and sales/ purchasing representatives, but by virtually everyone involved in the day-to-day operation of the company. Negotiation is a better way to motivate others to cooperate rather than using pressure and domination strategies that may work in the short term, but ultimately causes distrust and resentment - and ultimately, profits.