The Big Negotiation Missteps New Leaders Make and How to Fix Them
Negotiation is one of the most critical skills for new leaders—but it’s also one of the easiest to mess up. The good news? Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Let’s uncover the most common negotiation blunders new leaders make and how you can avoid them. Mastering these lessons will set you apart as a confident, effective leader who knows how to advocate for their team.
Mistake 1: Going in Unprepared
You wouldn’t step into a presentation without practicing, so why enter a negotiation without preparation? Many new leaders underestimate the importance of research, which leaves them scrambling when questions or objections arise.
The Fix: Before every negotiation:
Know your goals, priorities, and non-negotiables.
Research the other party’s needs, challenges, and potential objections.
Practice framing your points with clarity and confidence.
Mistake 2: Talking More Than Listening
It’s tempting to dominate the conversation, especially when you’re nervous. But over-talking can derail negotiations and prevent you from understanding the other person’s needs.
The Fix: Treat every negotiation like a conversation, not a monologue.
Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective.
Stay silent after making a point—it shows confidence and encourages dialogue.
Mistake 3: Focusing Only on Your Side
New leaders sometimes approach negotiations with a “me-first” mindset, thinking it’s about pushing their agenda. This approach often backfires, damaging relationships and trust.
The Fix: Shift your mindset from winning to collaborating.
Seek solutions that benefit both sides.
Show genuine interest in helping the other party succeed.
Remember: a win-win outcome strengthens partnerships for the long haul.
Mistake 4: Fearing Conflict
Negotiations can get tense, and new leaders often avoid conflict to keep the peace. But sidestepping tough conversations leads to weak outcomes that fail to meet your team’s needs.
The Fix: Embrace healthy tension as part of the process.
Reframe conflict as an opportunity to solve problems together.
Keep your tone calm and professional, even when the stakes are high.
Focus on the facts, not emotions.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the Follow-Up
Negotiations don’t end when the conversation is over. Without a clear follow-up plan, even great agreements can fall apart.
The Fix:
Summarize what was agreed upon in writing and share it promptly.
Establish next steps with deadlines.
Stay engaged to ensure commitments are fulfilled.
Ready to Negotiate with Confidence?
Avoiding these common mistakes can transform your negotiations from stressful to successful. When you’re prepared, collaborative, and focused on solutions, you’ll not only achieve your goals but also earn the respect and trust of those you work with.
At Boundless, we’re here to help you sharpen your negotiation skills and more. Join our community today to connect with other new leaders and discover the tools you need to succeed.
Onward to stronger leadership!