Unified Framework — Key Negotiation Concepts

Clear and visible phases: Preparation, Create Value, Claim Value, Closing, Follow-up, Styles.

1

Negotiation Preparation

Objective

  • Come to the table with an advantage and minimize surprises.

Key Concepts

  • BATNA (best alternative), WATNA (worst alternative), RP / Reservation Point, ZOPA (zone of possible agreement).

Practical Actions

  • Define BATNA and likelihood of execution.
  • Set reservation point (numeric/conditional).
  • Estimate ZOPA (min–max) before the meeting.
  • Checklist: history, decision-makers, pain points and benchmarks.
  • List of negotiable assets, ranking of requests and MESOs (multiple offers).
2

Create Value (expand the pie)

Mindset

  • Shift from zero-sum to win-win; seek ways to expand available value.

Strategies

  • Listen to underlying interests (not to be confused with positions).
  • Share strategic information selectively to unlock options.
  • Bundle issues (timelines, guarantees, training, visibility) to trade concessions.
  • Propose MESOs and joint assets to create joint value.

Barriers and Outcome

  • Barriers: time pressure, competitive mindset, lack of transparency.
  • Outcome: stronger relationships, reputation and future opportunities.
3

Claim Value (capture what is created)

Objective

  • Translate the negotiation into concrete and actionable terms that benefit your position.

Tactics

  • Decide anchoring strategy (offer first or wait).
  • Use clear data: benchmarks, cases and scenarios (best/expected/worst).
  • Design a ladder of conditional concessions (if you give X, ask for Y).
  • Use MESOs to present options and preserve value.

Closing and Common Mistakes

  • Recap, explicit confirmation and send summary within 24 hours.
  • Mistakes: conceding without return, anchoring without justification, not documenting.
4

Close the Negotiation

Objective and Signals

  • Turn intention into action (signature / payment / milestones).
  • Signals: inclusive language, operational questions, requests for next steps.

Tools

  • Define timelines and milestones with owners and acceptance criteria.
  • Signal boundaries (non-negotiables) while offering alternatives in other dimensions.
  • DART method for a “no”: Dive, Explore, Review, Try.
  • Formalize: send written summary with milestones, owners, dates and draft contract.
5

Follow-up and Post-Negotiation Review

Objective

  • Continuously learn and improve; ensure compliance with the agreement.

Steps

  • Self-assessment: separate facts from interpretations.
  • Benchmarking: update ranges, effective concessions and closing time → implementation.
  • Metrics: ACV/TCV, net margin after concessions, TTM, % agreements with protective clauses, compliance rate.
  • Deliver post-negotiation summary to the team and update client/tactic records.
6

Leadership Styles (influence in negotiation)

  • Transformational: negotiate from vision; bring roadmap and impact metrics.
  • Pace Setter: demand speed; bring weekly plan and clear deliverables.
  • Laissez-Faire: value autonomy; prefer KPIs and non-intrusive governance.
  • Coaching: seek development; include training and know-how transfer.
  • Authoritative: want clear decisions; present 3 options and recommendation.
  • Charismatic: negotiate with purpose; offer visibility / co-branding.
  • Service (servant leadership): prioritize human impact; propose training and shared governance.
7

Negotiation Styles (people and adaptations)

Profiles

  • Driver: direct, results-oriented. Get to the point; clear options; measurable benefits.
  • Expressive: communicative and creative. Connect emotionally; use stories and engagement.
  • Amiable: relational and cooperative. Build trust; avoid pressure; provide testimonials and support.
  • Analytical: detail-oriented and logical. Prepare data, reports and time to review; clear guarantees.

How to Identify and Adapt

  • Observe speech pace, type of questions, body language and conversational approach.
  • Prepare versions of the offer adapted to each style and practice linguistic mirroring.