7 Timeless Principles to Steer You through Negotiations

If you want a sure-fire way to succeed at negotiations – whether it's with your partner over who takes out the bins or for your next property investment purchase, then look no further.

Here are 7 timeless quotes to help you out:

1. Negotiating is essentially a human way of interacting  

It is the way we progress.

Adam Smith, the Scottish economist who wrote "The Wealth of Nations" put it this way:

"Man is an animal that makes bargains. No other animal does this. One dog does not exchange a bone with another."

2. Negotiating is not about dividing up a limited cake in ways that are divisive

It is about making a bigger and better cake.

David Ghitelman says that the key to making negotiations work isn't a scarcity mentality but an added value mentality:

"Negotiating is about creating value, not dividing wealth."

3. Conflict is at the heart of negotiation but only a positive view of conflict will result in a successful outcome

As Dean Tjosvold said:

"Co-operative conflict builds people up, strengthens their relationships and gets things done."

4. There is a time to speak and a time to shut up in negotiations

When you do more listening than speaking, you actually increase your negotiating power.

I remember reading this quote:

"If you're talking, you're giving information and therefore giving away power. If you're listening and asking questions, you're gaining information, the raw material of knowledge, and therefore gaining power."

5. In power negotiations, when the stakes are high, let the other side believe what you want them to believe 

But don't lie or be dishonest.

Sun Tzu, the writer of the oldest military treatise in the world, "The Art of War", put it in these words:

"All warfare is based on deception. Therefore when capable, feign incapability. When active, inactivity.

When near, make it appear that you are far away. When far away, that you are to lure him. Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance."

6. Recognize that you will only reach an agreement by understanding the deeply-held needs of the other side

In Frank Romer's words:

"People will sit up and take notice of you if you will sit up and take notice of what makes them sit up and take notice."

7. You can only succeed in negotiations with a win-win attitude

To quote B.C.Forbes:

"Any business arrangement that is not profitable to the other person will in the end prove unprofitable for you.
The bargain that yields mutual satisfaction is the only one that is apt to be repeated."

If you are new to property investment negotiations or still struggling to master the skill, remember these 7 quotes.

They are words of wisdom passed down the years and invariably learned by the painful lessons of experience.

About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.