Optimization Persuasiveness Series (4 of 4)

Steven Zolman
Jun. 16,2010 |

Strategy 4: Defend yourself against Influence

Optimize persuasiveness

  • Preparation.
    • Analyze your BATNA – knowing your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement, enables you to understand your walk away options.
    • Evaluate the ZOPA – knowing the Zone Of Possible Agreement will help you avoid wasting time evaluating offers that are outside of your consideration.
    • Investigate all issues at stake and know how to position them above the line or below the line.
    • Know when to pull in above the line items on a quid pro quo basis to use as sticks to claim value and/or control the bargaining table.
    • Know when to pull in below the line items on a quid pro quo basis to use as carrots to create value and/or control the bargaining table.
    • Well-prepared negotiators are less likely to accept sub-optimized offers because of how they are framed.
  • Separate information from influence.
    • Ask yourself these questions when statements are made by your counterpart
      • What is my counterpart’s gain?
      • If this was a push/pull offer, would I take it?
      • Would I agree to this proposal if made by someone else?
      • Would I have agreed to this proposal yesterday?
  • Rephrase their offer in your words.
    • Remove the “because”
      • I would like you to buy my stuff because it will help you meet your targets
      • Becomes, I would like you to buy my stuff
    • If the persuasion isn’t there, is it a good thing to do?

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