Negotiation handling with mind maps

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Negotiation planning[edit]

File:Negotiation-Tactics-Mind Map.jpg
Negotiation Tactics Mind Map

Mind Maps are very effective tools for planning negotiation sessions.

Before entering a negotiation, it is important to thoroughly plan and prepare the goals and objectives that you would like to achieve. You must in essence do your homework and question not only the outcomes that you would like to achieve, but also the other party’s expectations, time frames, and motivations.

You must effectively determine:

  • The other party’s frame of mind. This includes their emotional tendencies, beliefs, values, goals and personal desires. Each of these will help you to better understand their motives, strengths and weaknesses before entering the negotiation.
  • Their expectations for the negotiation session.
  • The other party’s Company Drivers. This includes their Company goals, strategy, mission and vision. The more you know about them from a personal and company level, the greater leverage you are likely to have throughout the negotiation session.
  • The potential outcomes and consequences of winning or losing the negotiation from all perspectives and angles.
  • Who holds the power on particular issues within the negotiation, and how you will deal with these power struggles.
  • Possible alternatives if a suitable agreement cannot be reached.
  • A suitable location for the negotiation including seating position, time, room ambiance, etc.

All of these variables can be drawn up in a mind map. With this, you will gain clarity and see the bigger picture. At the same time it will help you to prioritize and draw together the strands that may be of value to your negotiation.

With thanks to Adam Sicinski of IQ Matrix

Alternatives[edit]

Limits[edit]

Parties involved[edit]

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