Negotiation

I used to dread negotiations early in my career... Then I realized: Being a strong negotiator isn’t about confrontation. It’s about developing the right frameworks. Here are five game-changing approaches to  negotiate every deal more effectively: 🤝 The 4 Phases Framework (h/t: Roy Lewicki) Great negotiators don’t jump straight to bargaining.  They follow a structured process: • Preparation (lay the groundwork) • Information Exchange (build mutual understanding) • Bargaining (explore potential solutions) • Commitment (secure the agreement) 💪 The BATNA Strategy (h/t: Roger Fisher & William Ury) Your power in any negotiation comes from knowing  your Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA). It’s your safety net, your source of confidence.  Always define it before you start. 🎯 The Negotiation Matrix (h/t: Lewicki & Hiam) Different situations call for different strategies: • High stakes? Compete. • Building a long-term relationship? Collaborate. • Minor issue? Avoidance might be best. • The relationship is too critical? Accommodate. • Both matter equally? Compromise. 🤔 The Harvard Principled Negotiation Method (h/t: Fisher, Ury & Patton) This is a game-changer: Focus on interests, not positions. Instead of asking what they want, ask why they want it. That’s where real value creation happens. 🎯 The ZOPA Framework (h/t: Fisher & Ury) The Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA) is where deals get made. Understanding both sides’ limits helps you identify common ground. Everything else? It's just noise. Key takeaway: The best deals happen when both sides feel heard. And the most successful negotiators aren’t the most aggressive. They’re simply the most prepared. ♻️ Find this valuable? Repost to your network. 💡 Follow Eric Partaker for more on business & leadership.

I was shadowing a coaching client in her leadership meeting when I watched this brilliant woman apologize six times in 30 minutes. 1. “Sorry, this might be off-topic, but..." 2. “I'm could be wrong, but what if we..." 3. “Sorry again, I know we're running short on time..." 4. “I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but..." 5. “This is just my opinion, but..." 6. “Sorry if I'm being too pushy..." Her ideas? They were game-changing. Every single one. Here's what I've learned after decades of coaching women leaders: Women are masterful at reading the room and keeping everyone comfortable. It's a superpower. But when we consistently prioritize others' comfort over our own voice, we rob ourselves, and our teams, of our full contribution. The alternative isn't to become aggressive or dismissive. It's to practice “gracious assertion": • Replace "Sorry to interrupt" with "I'd like to add to that" • Replace "This might be stupid, but..." with "Here's another perspective" • Replace "I hope this makes sense" with "Let me know what questions you have" • Replace "I don't want to step on toes" with "I have a different approach" • Replace "This is just my opinion" with "Based on my experience" • Replace "Sorry if I'm being pushy" with "I feel strongly about this because" But how do you know if you're hitting the right note? Ask yourself these three questions: • Am I stating my needs clearly while respecting others' perspectives? (Assertive) • Am I dismissing others' input or bulldozing through objections? (Aggressive) • Am I hinting at what I want instead of directly asking for it? (Passive-aggressive) You can be considerate AND confident. You can make space for others AND take up space yourself. Your comfort matters too. Your voice matters too. Your ideas matter too. And most importantly, YOU matter. @she.shines.inc #Womenleaders #Confidence #selfadvocacy

Law school never taught me how to amend a contract. As a construction lawyer who regularly works with 300+ page contracts, here's how I break it down for new lawyers: 1️⃣ Understand the intention of the clause Before drafting, ask what outcome you're trying to achieve with the amendments. It's tempting to just copy+paste precedent wording, but if you don't understand the goal, then you might miss the point. 2️⃣ Check the contract language Skim the definitions and some of the clauses in the contract. This way, you can pick up on the sentence structure, formatting, and terminology (e.g. 'Contractor' vs 'Supplier' / 'Principal' vs 'Client' / 'Works' vs 'Services'). 3️⃣ Mirror existing wording To make sure your new wording stays consistent with the broader contract, it’s helpful to take a quick look to see if there are similar obligations or entitlements already in the contract and how they’re drafted. For example, whenever I draft a new indemnity - I can see whether existing indemnities use wording like ‘arising out of or in connection with’ instead of ‘caused by’ as a starting point. Using the existing language avoids potential interpretation issues with differently drafted clauses, and can also be easier to accept in negotiations. 4️⃣ Put your new definitions in the right place If you’ve added new definitions, make sure they’re placed consistently with the existing definitions. For example, if there’s a definitions section - add yours there instead of floating in the body of the clause (or at least something like ‘Definition has the meaning given to that term in clause X’). 5️⃣ Follow the cross-referencing The changes you make to one part of the contract can have flow-on effects on other parts. Knowing every flow-on takes experience, but checking the cross-referred clauses (and ctrl+F the references to the clause you're amending) is something you can do straight away. This is also a good time to update and check that the automatic cross-referencing still work properly (F9 to update, and then search for "Error!" and "clause 0"). 6️⃣ Can you explain what you added? After all of that, the last check is whether you can explain the effect of your new drafting (and whether it aligns with the intention of the clause). Not only does this help with your personal skills development - it’s also handy (and probably necessary) for negotiations and keeping your client informed. ---- If you're a junior lawyer looking for practical career advice - check out the other free how-to guides on my website. You can also stay updated by sending a connection / follow. #lawyers #legalprofession #lawfirms #lawstudents

In the U.S., you can grab coffee with a CEO in two weeks. In Europe, it might take two years to get that meeting. I ’ve spent years building relationships across both U.S. and European markets, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: networking looks completely different depending on where you are. The way people connect, build trust, and create opportunities is shaped by culture-and if you don’t adapt your approach, you’ll hit walls fast. So, if you're an executive expanding globally, a leader hiring across regions, or a professional trying to break into a new market-this post is for you. The U.S.: Fast, Open, and High-Volume Americans love to network. Connections are made quickly, introductions flow freely, and saying "let's grab coffee" isn’t just polite—it’s expected. - Cold outreach is normal—you can message a top executive on LinkedIn, and they just might say yes. - Speed matters. Business moves fast, so meetings, interviews, and hiring decisions happen quickly. But here’s the catch: Just because you had a great chat doesn’t mean you’ve built a deep relationship. Trust takes follow-ups, consistency, and results. I’ve seen European executives struggle with this—mistaking initial enthusiasm for long-term commitment. In the U.S., networking is about momentum—you have to keep showing up, adding value, and staying top of mind. In Europe, networking is a long game. If you don’t have an introduction, it’s much harder to get in the door. - Warm introductions matter. Cold outreach? Much tougher. Senior leaders prefer to meet through trusted referrals—someone who can vouch for you. - Fewer, deeper relationships. Once trust is built, it’s strong and lasting—but it takes time to get there. - Decisions take longer. Whether it’s hiring, partnerships, or leadership moves, things don’t happen overnight—expect a longer courtship period. I’ve seen U.S. executives enter the European market and get frustrated fast—wondering why it’s taking months (or years!) to break into leadership circles. But that’s how the market works. The key to winning in Europe? Patience, credibility, and long-term thinking. So, What Does This Mean for Global Leaders? If you’re an American executive expanding into Europe… 📌 Be patient. One meeting won’t seal the deal—you have to earn trust over time. 📌 Get introductions. A warm referral is worth more than 100 cold emails. 📌 Don’t push too hard. European business culture favors depth over speed—respect the process. If you’re a European leader entering the U.S. market… 📌 Don’t wait for permission—reach out. People expect direct outreach and initiative. 📌 Follow up fast. If you’re slow to respond, the opportunity moves on without you. 📌 Be ready to show value quickly. Americans won’t wait months to see if you’re a fit. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you build relationships. #Networking #Leadership #ExecutiveSearch #CareerGrowth #GlobalBusiness #US #Europe

The worst mistake employers make? Waiting for a resignation to offer a pay rise. By that point it's too late. The damage is already done. As uncomfortable as salary conversations can be (they shouldn't!). You need to advocate for yourself. Your employer won't give you a raise if you don't ask. Here's How to Have a Salary Conversations Like a Pro: 1️⃣ Set Clear Goals with Your Manager ↳ Define what success & progression looks like. ↳ Set KPI's that justify a pay rise later. 2️⃣ Have Regular Conversations About Growth ↳ Don’t wait for the annual review. Check in quarterly. ↳ Ask: “What can I do to be in the best position for a promotion?” Work on a plan together to upskill, get more responsibility & add more value. 3️⃣ Document Your Success ↳ Track wins, metrics & business impact. ↳ Use those numbers in your performance reviews. Instead of “I’ve worked hard” say: “I led [Project] which increased [Metric] by X% and saved Y hours.” 4️⃣ Promote Your Work (Without Bragging) ↳ Don’t assume people know what you've done. ↳ Present updates, share results, speak up in meetings. 5️⃣ Make the Ask (So It Feels Collaborative, Not Demanding) ↳ Timing matters. Make it an agreed time or in line with company reviews. Try: “Based on my contributions in [Project], I’d love to discuss salary progression. What would it take for me to reach [target salary]?” 6️⃣ Leverage the Market (If Necessary) ↳ If nothing is happening internally, go outside. ↳ Get an offer on the table to give you leverage. If your company won’t pay you what you deserve, another one will. Retention is cheaper than recruitment. ♻️ Repost to help people advocate for themselves. 👋🏼 Follow Dan Mian for more career insights.

The stark contrast in per-capita consumption-based carbon emissions between countries in the Global North and the Global South. This disparity underscores a fundamental inequity: nations that contribute the least to global #greenhousegasemissions often bear the brunt of #climatechange's adverse effects. The graph shows the consumption-based emissions, carbon emissions to the country where goods and services are consumed rather than where they are produced. This methodology reveals the true carbon footprint of a nation's lifestyle. Wealthier nations have higher consumption patterns, leading to more significant emissions. This is not just due to industrial activities but also because of the demand for goods and services that have high carbon footprints. Many developed countries have shifted manufacturing and production to developing nations. While this move reduces their production-based emissions, their consumption-based emissions remain high because they still consume these goods. Developed countries have historically contributed the most to cumulative global emissions due to early industrialization. This historical context adds another layer to the injustice, as past emissions continue to affect the current climate. As we lead to the next round of negotiations at #COP29 we must recognise that those who contribute most to emissions have a greater responsibility to lead in mitigation efforts and provide financial and technological aid to countries in the Global South to help them adapt to climate impacts and develop sustainably.

🌍 Navigating the CSDDD with CDP: A Must-Read Guide🌍 The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is setting the stage for stronger corporate accountability and sustainability in the EU. But how can companies ensure they're meeting these expectations? 🤔 The latest CDP Policy Explainer provides a detailed roadmap, highlighting how companies can address the CSDDD requirements as well as how they align with CDP disclosures. In addition, the guide covers climate transition plans in alignment with global standards, including IFRS S2, ERFAG (ESRS), SEC, GRI, and GFANZ. 🔍 What you’ll learn: 1️⃣ Clear Transition Plan Elements: Governance, scenario analysis, risk management, strategy, financial planning, and target setting – all critical pieces for a successful climate transition plan. 2️⃣ Standards & Frameworks: Learn how your disclosures align with leading frameworks like IFRS, ESRS, and GFANZ, making sure you're compliant with CSDDD requirements. 3️⃣ Actionable Insights: From governance to value chain engagement, the guide shows exactly where and how to report on your company’s climate risks, opportunities, and progress. 4️⃣ Full vs. Partial Coverage: Know which elements the standards require and where CDP goes beyond, helping you stay ahead of the regulatory curve. 🌱 Why it matters: With global regulatory pressure increasing, aligning with these frameworks can boost a company’s credibility, manage risks, attract capital, and ensure long-term resilience. #CDP #CSDDD #Sustainability #ClimateTransition #IFRS #ISSB #GRI #ESRS #CSRD #GFANZ #CorporateGovernance #ClimateStrategy #NetZero #TransitionPlans #DueDiligence #ESGRegulation

🌟 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐠 - 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞! The biggest breakthroughs don’t happen by digging deeper into one area - they happen when ideas, industries, and technologies collide. Think about it: AI combined with IoT has transformed healthcare. Sustainability powered by cloud solutions is opening new markets. The magic lies at the 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - where fresh opportunities emerge. 🚀 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 1️⃣ 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Combining technologies like AI and cloud accelerates growth. 2️⃣ 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡: Partnerships across industries unlock untapped customers. 3️⃣ 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞: Cross-industry collaboration lowers costs and drives new value. At Deloitte, I’ve seen the power of collaboration. By partnering with organizations like #Celonis, #Schaeffler, #HumboldtInnovation, and #GermanEntrepreneurship, we’ve established the European non-profit AI ecosystem, #KIPark. This initiative brings together players from different industries to unlock innovation. For example, we’ve developed an ESG platform, marking a significant step toward sustainable solutions that are robust and business-relevant. 🛠️ 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 1️⃣ 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲: Who could you partner with to create something new? 2️⃣ 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐱𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬: Pair data scientists with operations or customer-facing teams. 3️⃣ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐲: Start small pilots that combine tech and business ideas. 🌍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 The future belongs to businesses that connect the dots others don’t see. Breadth - not just depth - is the key to growth and resilience. 💬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 What’s one unexpected partnership or idea you’ve seen recently that sparked innovation? Let’s exchange ideas. Who knows what new intersections we might uncover together? #Deloitte #AI #Innovation #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #Partnerships 𝐴𝑟𝑡𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑙. 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑂𝑓𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒. 𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑡 @𝑔𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑢𝑡ℎ

I’ve had 4 legal battles since starting my business. Could I have avoided them? Probably. But to be honest, I didn't have the funds to pay a proper lawyer, or the network of founders to ask the right questions to. I don't want that to happen to you. Here are 5 clauses I put in my contracts that might help you protect your work, your business and most importantly.. your sanity ↓ #1 Non-cancellable, non-refundable contracts. This shouldn’t even be an issue if you qualify your clients properly. BUT if someone signs, onboards, and then ghosts? We still get paid. And so should you 🤗 #2 Immediate or short payment terms Most businesses accept 30-to 90-day payment terms. I don’t. You wouldn’t work for 3 months without pay—so why should your business? Cash flow is your business’s lifeline. Protect it. #3 While we’re on payment terms… Your contract should include: → Interest on late invoices. → A clause that stops work if invoices aren’t cleared. → A guarantee that if a client delays the project, you still get paid. Your time isn’t free! #4 Your IP stays YOURS. Anything we bring into the agreement at Klowt stays ours. Anything we create for you is yours. Simple. I once ran a training session, and the client recorded it—then tried to sell it behind a paywall. Now, our contract states a £10,000 fine per breach. (And for that particular case, per breach = per view. 😅) #5 Don't work with d*ckheads. This isn't a legal clause, more legal... advice? 🤣 If someone is giving you red flags in any way at the beginning of your relationship, do not work with them. This could include but not limited to: - Focusing on immediate ROI. - Cost or discounts being a primary concern. - Pushing for work to kick off before contracts or payments. - Reaching out at inappropriate times - or in inappropriate ways. - Delaying initial payments. Legally binding contracts are a good insurance policy, but they're lengthy and expensive to implement if you actually have to go to court. So the best LEGAL advice I can give you as a 2x founder is, don't work with d*ckheads. And learn from my mistakes. It's a lot cheaper than learning from your own... trust me 😂. Was this helpful? 💜 I write a 2x weekly newsletter for founders and freelancers on topics like this. Join us here: https://lnkd.in/ejDbD94R

Have you ever been at the helm of a project, overflowing with innovative ideas and immense potential, only to encounter the challenging barrier of limited budget resources? It's a familiar scenario in many workplaces. They can pop up during budget cuts, economic downturns, or when a company pivots to new priorities. Perhaps you're leading a team that's been asked to do more with less, or you're in charge of a new initiative that's critical for future growth but currently underfunded. These are the moments when your negotiation skills are put to the test. This is not just a challenge for those at the top but managers at all levels, in various functions and locations, frequently grapple with the need to secure more resources during financially tight times. Because it's about more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. It's about realizing potential, driving innovation, and maintaining momentum in your team. The ability to successfully negotiate for resources in such situations is a skill that can make a significant difference in your career and the success of your projects. Here's some advice on how to effectively navigate these situations:- [1] Start by gaining a deep understanding of your company's financial situation. This insight should guide your approach and help you tailor your request. [2] Clearly articulate the resources you need and why. Show how these resources align with the organization's goals and priorities. [3] Link your request to tangible outcomes. for e.g. How will these resources drive growth, save costs, or improve efficiency? [4] In tight financial times, it's crucial to differentiate between 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves'. Focus on what's absolutely essential. [5] Offer alternative solutions. This could mean suggesting phased funding, reallocating existing resources, or exploring cost-effective alternatives. Back up your request with data, examples, or case studies. [6] Make it clear what could be at stake if the resources are not allocated. Acknowledge the financial constraints and position your request as part of a collaborative solution to a shared problem. 👉 Mastering the art of negotiation in tight financial situations is a valuable skill for any leader or manager. ✅ Share this to your network ✅ Follow me on LinkedIn for expert insights ★ DM me for a conversation to learn how we can help you grow & succeed #business #people #leadership #management #negotiation #success #growth #innovation