This is How You Master Negotiation

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The art of negotiation isn’t about pushing harder or talking louder. It’s about being smarter, understanding what’s really at stake, and knowing how to steer the conversation toward outcomes that work for everyone involved.

Some of the best founders have made negotiation as their primary skill, leveraging it not only to drive their companies forward but to do so while building trust and mutual respect along the way.

This is how you negotiate like a pro.

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Negotiation isn’t just a boardroom skill

Negotiation isn’t just a boardroom skill — it’s an everyday necessity. Whether you’re dealing with investors, hiring talent, or even negotiating rent for your office space, this skill can make or break your success.

And he’s right. It’s a daily process of pushing and pulling — balancing your wants with the needs of others.

However, it’s not about overpowering the other side. True negotiation is about finding common ground, a middle point where both parties leave feeling like they’ve won, without burning bridges from either side.

The goal is to be strategic yet flexible, assertive but not overbearing.

The best founders know when to speak, but more importantly, when to listen. It’s not about talking the loudest; it’s about listening the hardest.

Understanding the needs and emotions of the other party will give you the leverage to guide the conversation in your favor, all while maintaining trust.

Tactics to become a master negotiator

Listen First, Speak Second

The real power lies in listening.

By understanding the other person’s needs and motivations, you can tailor your proposal to meet those needs.