Can being ‘in flow’ make you a better negotiator?

Do you think of negotiation as a stress-inducing activity, or do you see it as fun? If you answered fun, you’re operating from the same mindset as a savvy negotiator. Savvy negotiators take pleasure in the art of communicating with their counterparts. They enjoy the to-and-fro of concession exchange. They’re also playful and creative in both their thinking and communication patterns. They enter what positive psychologists call a flow state. Being in this state vastly increases their negotiation effectiveness.

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Beware the difference between collaboration and capitulation next time you negotiate

When you think of win-win negotiation, what comes to mind? Obviously, a key tenet of the win-win approach is the idea of winning together, or mutual gain. But in practical terms, what exactly does this mean? For inexperienced negotiators, striving too hard to show a co-operative approach can blur the line between collaboration and capitulation. What’s the difference? And why does it matter?

 

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Resilient mindset: a savvy negotiator’s key advantage

What’s the difference between negotiators who cave in at the first sign of opposition and those who persist, are assertive and create win-win deals? It’s not just skill-set, it’s mindset. I’ve observed thousands of negotiation role plays. And I’ve noticed that people with positive, can-do attitudes tend to get better deals than those with less resilient mindsets. So what is resilience, and how can you apply it in your real-life negotiations?

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6 things savvy female negotiators do differently to the rest of us

I love people-watching. As a trainer, of course, I have ample opportunity to do so. While groups are completing roleplays or activities, it’s my job is to observe their body language patterns and communication habits. Many years of closer observation have brought my attention to a problem which creates ‘glass ceiling moments’ for female negotiators. Here’s what I’ve noticed, when women step into senior roles, body language patterns that previously helped them in negotiation begin to backfire. For example, patterns of smiling frequently often can help a woman be successful in a junior role. When she’s attempting to negotiate as a leader, however, smiling too often will reduce her credibility and be perceived as an anxious habit.

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Notice the Opportunities in Your Life

Do you sometimes wish you had more opportunities in life? If so, it might be time to start paying attention to existing opportunities that you are missing. It’s easy to miss potential opportunities when you’re busy with day-to-day life.

 

Positive psychologists have shown that people who take opportunities are the people who notice them in the first place. You can change your awareness so that you’re able to catch opportunities when they present themselves.

In my work as a success coach I’ve noticed that women who take opportunities use the principles of positive thinking. If you want to do this there are four key steps you can take to make sure you’re checking out each doorway. Read more

Seize the opportunities in your life

Don’t let success pass you by. Learn how to make the most of opportunities in your life. Hear how to spot potential opportunities and grab hold of them. Find out how to expand your networks and get more support from other people.

 

 

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Let’s close the year with learning and gratitude

As the year comes to a close, I wish you the joy of learning and positive thinking. Whether the year has held huge success, or many challenges for you, December is a great time to pause and reflect. Experience is what makes you unique. Your ability to learn from, and reflect on, that experience is what makes you stand out.

Here are my favourite questions for ending the year on a learning note:

  • What have been the most memorable experiences of the year?
  • How do you feel about those experiences?
  • What have you learned about your strengths?
  • If you imagine using those strengths in the next year, how will you do things differently?
  • What are you grateful for?
  • Who will you share that gratitude with?

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Top 10 quotes on positive thinking

Do you want to master the art of positive thinking? You’ll find food for thought in this short video featuring ten quotes from outstanding practitioners of positive psychology and NLP. The video will build your understanding of positive attitudes and how they develop. It will also give you lots of tips for changing your own thinking habits.

 

 

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Beat Imposter Syndrome with NLP

Do you secretly fear you’re not up to doing your job? If you experience these feelings frequently, there’s a good chance you might be suffering from ‘imposter syndrome’. This is a strong and pervasive fear that you don’t really have what it takes to succeed.

So, if you think that you’re suffering from imposter syndrome, what can you do? Here are five ways you can use NLP to boost your confidence and stop imposter syndrome in its tracks.

 

Meta model challenge your internal dialogue

The meta model is a linguistic toolkit for challenging limiting language. People who suffer from imposter syndrome tend to have highly critical self-talk. You can use meta model questions to challenge this type of self-talk and shift to more constructive inner dialogue. To do this reword definitive language like, ‘I don’t know how to do this’ with alternative statements like ‘I can find out how to do this’. Also work to banish perfectionist self-talk. Instead of saying, ‘I will work back and finish it properly’ say to yourself, ‘I will finish it as well as I can, given the time constraints I’m under’. Listen to my free podcast Beat Imposter Syndrome with NLP for more advice on practical tips. Read more

Shift negative self-talk

Are you plagued by negative self-talk? Then it’s time to change your thinking habits. Find out how in this inspiring video on how to think positively, even in tough situations. Learn how to shift your negative self-talk by using cognitive reframing techniques. Change what your inner voice says and the tone you use when ‘talking to yourself’.

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