The Negotiation

After making a request, the next step in workflow communication, is negotiation. Too often, we accept all requests, as spoken, without negotiating. This behavior is quite common in the employee – boss relationship. This unconditional acceptance of a request can lead to problems.

We have probably all been on the receiving end of what we consider to be an unreasonable request from our boss. An unreasonable due date is most common. Instead of accepting the due date given, enter into a negotiation by explaining the other tasks that you are currently working on, then making a counter-offer with a revised due date.

The negotiation process should be iterative, with counter-offers going back and forth, until a mutually agreed upon promise or offer is achieved. Next up……the Promise.