You Lead With Compassion, Creating Strong Allies Wherever you Go

You put the relationship first. Full stop. If there’s one thing you do – and you do it well – it’s that, knowing just how valuable relationships in business are. Typically aiming for little to no friction and rarely one to go to the mat for an issue, you do well when conflict is low and giving ground won’t make or break a negotiation. Be wary of accommodating too much though, as resentment can ultimately destroy relationships just as easily as harsh negotiation tactics and bad deals.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

  • Empathetic and Easygoing – You truly care and look to make everyone comfortable in any negotiation.
  • Altruistic – You put others first, valuing them and their situation, not just the objectives to be reached.

Weaknesses

  • Overly Accommodating – Your desire to keep the relationship strong often leads you to give in to strong opinions.
  • Risk-Averse – Risk means conflict and conflict could harm relationships, so you tend to avoid any negotiation risks.

Opportunities

  • Collaborations – Situations where people are actively seeking collaboration and those who tend to work toward win-win scenarios are great – giving you the opportunity to achieve more of what you want, all while knowing the relationship will remain strong or grow stronger over time.

Threats

  • The Outcome-Oriented – In situations where stakes are high and certain players have come to win, your easygoing nature can cause you to fall into an unfavorable position. Counter this by learning how to recognize these threats and separate outcomes from relationships in all situations.

Become a Better Negotiator

  • Create separation between the relationship and the outcome – Building strong relationships is a cornerstone of good business practices. But so is giving value to things that are important to you and your business. Luckily, these two items don’t have to be constantly connected for you to be successful. Start by practicing separation with those you have very strong relationships with using small stakes things. Or if it’s easier, try role-playing with a friend. Pay attention to how they react when you push for more. Keep in mind that generally people tend to have more respect and admiration for, and stronger relationships with, those who have clear lines of what is and isn’t acceptable compared to those who only seek to accommodate them.
  • Read the articles below – Improve your situational awareness, strengthen your initial position, and learn how to level up your business negotiations.
  • Join Key4Women – Strengthen your skills and improve your network by joining thousands of small business owners and professionals like you.

Explore Business Negotiation Styles

Curious about other negotiation styles commonly used in business? Pick a style that interests you to learn more.

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Power Player

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Collaborator

Bridge being created between two cliffs

Compromiser

Peace symbol

Peacemaker

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Free Spirit

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