Negotiation Skill

Dear kiron
Thank you for your contribution to our exchange of views.
Do you consider "Focus on interests rather than positions" as a competency and / or characteristic?

Best negotiation conclude on a Win-Win.
Understand what would make both sides win.

I'd call that a good practice...

Recently read this book called "Never Split the Difference".. One of my biggest take aways was being prepared and knowing everything you need to know about the person you are negotiating with.

Realizing that both sides have to gain in the negotiations. If one side takes all, the other side will believe they were mistreated and the deal will be problematic from the start.

I would say the following:
1. Be confident but not cocky;
2. Timing is everything, negotiate when you have the upper hand;
3. Be prepared to walk away if your counterpart is unwilling to compromise and let them know that in no uncertain terms

I watched one of my former bosses (owner/ president) do just this, and he went from starting a business on his kitchen table to being worth several hundreds of millions. Unfortunately, this skill cannot really be taught in schools, but must be learned from others and on-the-job training.