Approaches to Negotiate at Work with Your Boss


Speaking up in a meeting seems like a high-stakes task for some. You never know how your boss will react to your opinion. You can be talked down to or appreciated for your feedback. If sharing your opinion in a meeting seems daunting, how can you negotiate with your boss? It can be about a pending promotion, pay hike, or new office equipment. Whatever it is, you do not want to look like you are demanding too much. Take this step carefully so that things do not turn against you. In this article at Chron, there are some approaches to help you negotiate at work.
Negotiate at Work With These Tricks
Align Your Style with the Boss
Do you want to negotiate with your employer? Observe how your bosses operate. It will give you a good idea of how to convince them. Modify your negotiation style to suit theirs so that you have a better chance of getting what you want.
Back Your Request with Data
Back up your points with enough examples and facts. If it is a promotion, explain the responsibilities you have taken on that display your readiness. If it is a new technology the company needs to purchase, explain the features that will save costs, boost team productivity, and so on.
Display the Facts, If Needed
If you are convincing the higher management, having a presentation deck helps. Your request gets better visibility when you describe things on charts and with numbers. Make sure you verify the data before you negotiate. Keep each slide crisp and to the point.
Book Out Time to Negotiate
Negotiation needs careful deliberation. Your bosses might have to look at a lot of things together. So, instead of waiting to catch them in between meetings, block a time to share your points.
Be Straightforward But Polite
Time is of value for anyone. So, stick to your points without moving off to other topics. Be polite and keep an even tone while sharing or displaying your points. This will help them to think it through.
Listen to the Other Side
Is there any issue or opinion your bosses have? Announce that they can share their thoughts after the presentation. If they stop you in the middle of the presentation, hear them out and note their feedback or demands.
Can You Accept an Alternative?
Suppose your boss cannot give you exactly what you want but gives you an alternative. For instance, you might receive a good pay raise instead of a promotion. Or, instead of new technology, you get two more team members added to your project. What you are vying for – a generous raise, a promotion, a new tool, or increased resource bandwidth? Once that is clear in your head, you can decide if the alternative is acceptable.
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