What are the stages in a negotiation process?

In this article, I want to explain the negotiation process and its stages. There are three main steps for negotiation:

1- Pre-negotiation

In this stage, parties design a negotiation.

2- Negotiation

The actual discussions, bargaining, and agreements happen in this part.

3- After negotiation

The parties keep track of what they agreed on and hold on to their promises.

Many negotiators imagine that the negotiation starts from the second part, meaning the bargaining. So they may have a successful negotiation, but they won’t get a desirable result at last because they ignored preparation importance.

preparation is the most important stage in negotiation process

The main factors of negotiation are discussion and agreement. A successful negotiation is an agreement over a debate. (and of course, when you reach your goal, it means having the best bonus).

Why is preparation more vital in negotiation process?

Pre-negotiation is the most important of all. Always remember that:

Not being prepared for something is preparing to fail.

Preparing includes:

1- Gathering enough info about the negotiation subject
2- Knowing about the other party
3- Finding the possible questions
4- Finding the potential profits
5- Finding the dark spots in your conversation
6- Considering your words and your limits
7- Defining a framework for your conversation