Negotiation Simulations
We had an incredible time at the Negotiating Value for Money Workshop at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Imagine this:
Bosses vs candidates. Buyers vs sellers. Deals, no deals. Win-wins and strategic compromises. This wasn’t just a workshop, it was a simulation battlefield of real-world negotiations.
One of the most eye-opening outcomes was a candidate boss pair that had to negotiate a 2 to 3 months delayed start date. Why? Because family came first. The candidate’s father required surgery, and she needed to support the family business. Instead of a hard "no," both parties found a creative solution:
✅ Start on time, but remotely
✅ Employer would be covered during remote period (while the manager was on vacation)
✅ Candidate supports her family, and the job
A true win-win, built through understanding and compromise.
Research, Research, and Research
As the day went on, one theme echoed throughout the workshop. RESEARCH. From cultural sensitivity to regional tech infrastructure, the details matter. Consider the possibility of misgendering a male Japanese executive while trying to speak their language? It seems like just a simple error but it is an error that could easily cost the deal based on the perceived demasculation amond peers. Cultural missteps can turn respect into rejection in seconds.
So what do we do?
- Know your counterpart.
- Understand their context.
- Read their body language.
- Prepare with depth, not just Google.
How do you prepare for high-stakes negotiations?