Negotiation is part of everyday life—whether you’re discussing a raise, finalizing a deal, or even just picking a restaurant with friends. The reality? Nobody is born a negotiation expert. Like any skill, it takes time to learn, practice, and polish.
Read on to learn the fundamental principles of negotiation and how to navigate workplace conversations with authority—so you always get the best deal.
Knowing Negotiation Skills
Let’s first define what negotiation skills really are before we move on to how to make them better.
Negotiation skills are the skills that enable two or more people to come to an agreement through compromise and discussion. They encompass communication, persuasion, listening actively, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
Varying circumstances require varying skills in negotiation. Negotiating sales is most important for closing a deal, while resolving conflict allows for smoothening of workplace disputes. Good negotiation skills can make or break your career—whether it is receiving an improved job offer, taming team dynamics, or taking on leadership positions.
Here’s how quick negotiation skills can benefit you:
Earn higher salaries and benefits
Improve professional relationships
Close deals and thrive in sales
Smooth out workplace conflicts
Unlock leadership positions
Because these skills are used throughout your career, they’re well worth practicing over time.
How to Enhance Your Negotiation Skills
Being a skilled negotiator requires practice and tactics. These are some essential techniques to elevate:
1. Master Active Listening
A negotiation key principle? Listen more than you speak. Knowing the other party’s needs and concerns allows you to come to solutions that benefit all.
Try this:
Give the speaker your complete attention—no interrupting.
Repeat back their words in your own voice to make sure you understand.
Ask open-ended questions to probe further.
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Read this next: How Active Listening Can Boost Your Career (and How to Do It Right)
2. Prepare Thoroughly
Good negotiators don’t wing it—they prepare. Confidence is the result of doing your research.
As an example, in negotiating a job promotion or offer, “understand your market value and the value you deliver,” advises Kevandre Thompson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Innomotics. “Use context to support your ask—such as cost-of-living increases, added experience, or move requirements—to build a better argument.”
3. Build Persuasive Communication
An effective negotiator makes a persuasive case without being aggressive.
Take salary negotiations: State your ask assertively while demonstrating how it serves both you and the employer. “Match your skills with the needs of the company,” Thompson suggests.
Do this:
Use straightforward, clear language.
Emphasize benefits, not expectations.
Vary your tone depending on the audience.
Read next: 3 Proven Ways to Persuade Anyone in Your Life
4. Remain Calm and Regulate Emotions
Negotiations can become tense, but staying in control of emotions keeps you grounded.
Do this:
Take deep breaths and pause before answering.
Approach disagreements as problem-solving exercises.
Remain professional even in difficult conversations.
5. Be Open to Compromise and Flexible
The greatest negotiators don’t only advance their agenda—they achieve win-win solutions.
Practice this:
Determine where you can compromise without losing value.
Provide alternatives that still achieve your aims.
Know when to walk away from a poor deal.
Negotiation Skills in Action: Workplace Examples
Here’s how these tips play out in actual work situations.
Example #1: Salary Negotiation
Express gratitude to the hiring manager, then inquire if the offer can be negotiated. If so, share industry salary information and emphasize your qualifications. Rather than simply naming a figure, demonstrate how granting your request serves the company as well—making it a win-win.
Read this next: How to Handle Salary Negotiations at Any Stage of the Hiring Process
Example #2: Promotion Negotiation
Don’t merely request a raise—present data on industry rates and your successes (with figures if available). Describe how your efforts have benefited the company, then suggest a salary or title change that meets both your objectives and the firm’s.
Read this next: Asking for a Promotion? What Your Boss Does (and Doesn’t) Want to Hear
Example #3: Client Deal
In selling, negotiation is not all about price. A good negotiator brings value—such as bulk prices, extended payment terms, or additional services. Rather than a single discount, offer a multi-year deal with price-adjusted levels, locking up the repeat business while staying within the customer’s budget.
Read this next: How to Negotiate Over Email
Example #4: Team Conflict Resolution
Workplace conflicts damage morale and productivity. A good manager hears both sides out, recognizes concerns, and directs discussion to a just solution. By seeking common ground and proposing compromises, they restore cooperation and keep the team up and running.
Read this next: 5 Conflict Management Styles to Tackle Any Disagreement at Work
The Bottom Line
Negotiation skills are a must for career success—and like any skill, they get better with practice. By working on active listening, preparation, persuasion, emotional control, and flexibility, you’ll handle any discussion with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced techniques, investing in these skills pays off in your professional and personal life.