January 8, 2024

PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES

When I'm negotiating, I like to get the party to visualize themselves in my position. This gets them more involved and better able to understand my concerns and viewpoint. They gain a clearer picture of my range of alternatives and my limitations. This goes a long way to helping us find a both-win agreement during a negotiation.

Do this tactfully and the other party suddenly becomes less sure of gaining my agreement. This puts some pressure on them to come up with better alternatives. It's a nice way to tell them why I can't agree.

Try it. Just say, "Put yourself in my shoes." You will be pleasantly surprised at how this can help you find a shoe that will fit.