What do you do if your negotiation skills fall short in PR interactions?

1 Assess Gaps

If you've recognized a shortfall in your negotiation abilities, the first step is to conduct an honest assessment. Identify specific areas where you struggle, such as articulating your points, listening, or managing conflict. Understanding these gaps is crucial because it allows you to seek targeted resources or training to improve. Moreover, self-awareness in your PR interactions can help you anticipate challenges and prepare accordingly, perhaps by developing scripts or key messages in advance to ensure clarity and confidence during negotiations.

2 Seek Training

Once you've identified your negotiation weaknesses, actively seek out training and resources to enhance your skills. There are numerous workshops, courses, and books dedicated to negotiation techniques. By engaging with these materials, you can learn new strategies and approaches that may be more effective for you. Additionally, practicing these techniques in low-stakes environments can build your confidence and competence before you apply them in critical PR negotiations.

3 Leverage Team

You don't have to face challenging negotiations alone. Leverage the strengths of your team by bringing in colleagues who complement your skills. For instance, if you're not strong at data analysis but need to negotiate a contract based on performance metrics, involve a data-savvy team member in the discussion. This approach not only strengthens your position but also demonstrates a collaborative spirit to your negotiation counterparts, which can be advantageous in PR settings.

4 Build Relationships

Strong relationships can often compensate for weaker negotiation skills. In PR, building rapport with journalists, clients, and stakeholders can create a foundation of trust and understanding. When entering negotiations, this relationship equity can be leveraged to facilitate more amicable discussions and favorable outcomes. Prioritize relationship-building as part of your PR strategy, so when you do enter negotiations, there's a sense of partnership that can help smooth over any skill deficits.

5 Stay Flexible

Flexibility is a valuable trait in any negotiation. If you find yourself struggling, be willing to adapt your approach. For example, if your initial proposal is met with resistance, consider alternative solutions that could satisfy both parties. Being flexible shows that you are focused on finding a mutually beneficial outcome rather than winning at all costs. This can help maintain positive relationships and lead to better results in the long run.

6 Reflect & Adapt

After each negotiation, take time to reflect on what worked and what didn't. This reflection is an opportunity to learn and adapt your strategies for future interactions. Consider seeking feedback from others who were involved in the negotiation to gain different perspectives on your performance. Continuous learning and adapting are key to improving your negotiation skills over time, even if they currently fall short in some PR situations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?