Question 1

What is negotiation, and why is it important to learn this skill?

Accepted Answer

Negotiation is a form of communication used by people to settle differences or resolve conflict in a way that benefits everyone involved. A negotiation can be as simple as bargaining for a raise in salary or as complex as working out a multinational trade agreement. Negotiation is important because unlike a competition or fight, it allows for collaboration between people so that they can build lasting relationships, create long-term solutions, and avoid future conflicts.

There are different approaches to thinking about negotiation in a structured way. Strategic negotiation seeks to guide complex negotiations by proactively preparing blueprints ahead of time that clearly establish the value created by an agreement and how it can be fairly divided between all of the parties involved. Another example is principled negotiation, which uses an interest-based approach to separate the people from the problem and focus on interests and not positions. This creates an environment where both sides are respected and outcomes are mutually beneficial.

In addition to these overarching approaches, negotiators rely on a variety of tools and skills to help resolve conflicts effectively. The mathematical modeling frameworks of game theory and the use of decision trees to map out different choices and outcomes provide useful ways to methodically identify and evaluate different paths forward in a negotiation. And strong cross-cultural communication skills are especially important to being able to find common ground when parties involved have vastly different backgrounds and viewpoints.

Question 2

What kinds of careers can benefit from negotiation skills?

Accepted Answer

The negotiation skills of good judgment, unbiased listening, and clear, persuasive expression are an asset for a variety of careers. In the business world, negotiations are fundamental to coming to terms on financial transactions. Similarly, negotiation is central to the work of lawyers, who play a critical role in resolving both financial and legal disputes. Management roles in all industries, and particularly chief executive officers (CEO) and human resources managers (HR), also rely on negotiation skills to come to terms on salary with their teams and to settle other workplace disputes.

There are also careers that require being a full-time, professional negotiator. Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiations between parties to resolve conflicts without resorting to lengthy and costly litigation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these highly specialized professionals generally have bachelor’s or master’s degree in business or law, along with relevant experience working in these fields.

Question 3

Can I learn about negotiation through online courses on Coursera?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Coursera offers a wide range of online courses and Specializations on topics related to negotiation, from introductory-level courses to advanced Specializations on mediation and conflict resolution. These courses are offered through top-ranked institutions and companies from around the world including Yale University, University of Michigan, and ESSEC Business School, so you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education to learn online.

Best of all, taking classes remotely lets you learn on a flexible schedule that can fit into your existing work or family life. And, although online courses and Specializations through Coursera offer the same materials and credits as on-campus alternatives, they are available at a significantly lower tuition cost.

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