While intended to be funny, this Oscar Wilde quote can hold true in a negotiation.
Negotiations can be a tense and emotional experience. Many people believe that emotions should be left out of negotiations but, surprisingly, they play a significant role in the process.
Emotions can motivate people to reach a compromise, help build trust, and create a positive outcome for both parties.
When emotions run high, it’s important to acknowledge and manage them effectively. Emotions such as anger, fear, and frustration can quickly escalate and cause a negotiation to fail. On the other hand, emotions like empathy, gratitude, and happiness can lead to a successful outcome.
One way to use emotions to your advantage in a negotiation is by building rapport with the other party. If you can establish a connection based on trust and mutual respect, it can lead to a more positive and productive negotiation. Show empathy and understanding towards the other party, and try to find common ground that you can both agree on.