You’re looking for ways to give your resume a boost, but you don’t have the time or desire to go back to school.
So, now what?
Negotiation skills are becoming increasingly necessary, not only in the workforce but in daily life.
But, does having negotiation skills training certification give your resume the padding that employers are looking for these days?
In this post, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about negotiation skills training, and whether it’s necessary to land your dream job.
Table of Contents
- What Is Negotiation Skills Training Certification?
- What Are the Benefits of Negotiation Skills Training Certification?
- 8 Qualities You Should Gain From Negotiation Skills Training Certification
- How Do You Become a Certified Negotiator?
- How Much Does Negotiation Skills Training Certification Cost?
- Contact The Maker Group for Real-World Negotiation Skills Training
What Is Negotiation Skills Training Certification?
Quite simply, it’s a piece of paper. Many online and in-person courses offer certification upon completion of their negotiation skills training courses or workshops.
Whether it’s a 2-day intensive workshop held at your place of business, or an 8-week online program at the local college, earning a certificate gives students a sense of accomplishment.
But, is it really necessary?
Certification definitely has its benefits. But how do you know if you need one and which one you should get?
Who Should Get Negotiation Skills Training Certification?
Anyone who is …
- Aspiring to be in a management or leadership role
- Is in a management or leadership role; or
- Who negotiates as a part of their daily job
… can benefit from negotiation skills training.
Although, certification isn’t always necessary.
Not all courses offering a certificate will prepare you for real-world negotiations and there is no standardization in place for negotiation certifications.
The Maker Group offers customized workshops and on-site training that will give you or your team the confidence and ability to immediately implement the negotiation skills learned.
Not only will you feel completely prepared to handle any negotiation, but you’ll do so with ease and competence.
What Are the Benefits of Negotiation Skills Training Certification?
Having strong negotiation skills can contribute significantly to the success of any business.
The benefits of receiving negotiation skills training certification include:
- Learning how to build better relationships
- The ability to avoid conflict and future problems; and
- Understanding how to deliver lasting, quality solutions
In addition, negotiation skills training will allow you or your employees to:
- Plan and manage high-level, complex negotiations as part of a team
- Identify various negotiation styles and quickly adapt
- Use ethical practices to effectively deliver information; and
- Realize the opportunities for win-win outcomes in every negotiation
It’s important to remember that a certificate doesn’t qualify the person to be an effective negotiator. Through effective training or workshops, anyone can learn the skills it takes to achieve negotiation success.
The Maker Group is composed of professional commercial negotiators from every industry. We’ve dedicated our careers to bringing our real-world behavioral techniques and unique methodology to companies just like yours.
With a pragmatic approach to preparing and planning for negotiations, your employees will learn how to strategically and effectively negotiate using our proven behavioral psychological models.
Our on-site negotiation training is conducted by consultants who make it their business to understand your unique organizational challenges. We customize our training to help you achieve your goals and drive profitability within your company.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Negotiation Skills Training Certification?
Depending on the negotiation training, you may not receive the type of training you really need.
Some courses seem great on paper, offering 6-8 weeks of intensive coursework only to learn about negotiation theories.
If the course offered doesn’t include real-life scenarios and opportunities to practice new skills and strategies, then it’s highly unlikely the learner will have the confidence to implement those skills on the sales floor.
When searching for negotiation training, you’ll want to ensure that the courses are experiential, offering hands-on learning and tangible skills.
So, what can you learn from quality negotiation skills training?
8 Qualities You Should Gain From Negotiation Skills Training Certification
Quality negotiation training will lead to a myriad of new techniques — certificate or not. Upon completion, you should be ready to implement negotiation skills that will create a win-win situation in every deal.
#1: Preparation and Planning Skills
The best negotiators are those who come to the table prepared. It’s important to gather, and have on hand, information in advance of negotiations.
First, you need to determine what you want, as in:
- What’s your least acceptable offer
- What’s the best-case scenario; and
- What will happen if an agreement is not reached
Planning and preparation are critical to the negotiation process, just as important as deciding on how to carry out the terms of the agreement.
#2: Improved Communication and Listening Skills
Communication skills, such as identifying verbal and nonverbal cues, allow negotiators to change their communication style to meet the other party’s needs.
Clear communication can help avoid misunderstandings and achieve compromise sooner.
Active listening skills are also required during negotiations. Understanding the opinions and needs of the other party will allow you to recall specific details without having to ask to have information repeated.
#3: Insight and Perspective
Paying attention to details is only one side to a successful negotiation. The best negotiators are also able to see the big picture — the end game.
The ability to see past your own wants and needs in negotiation and find common ground can lead to an agreement much sooner.
Just as important is understanding the individual nuances that will ensure an agreement is made by all parties involved.
#4: Problem Solving Abilities
Having the ability to solve complex challenges or deal with difficult and unexpected problems is a skill that most employers are looking for.
The ability to solve problems is especially important for negotiators. Problem-solving skills are beneficial for decision-making and relationship building, two key components of successful negotiation.
Companies rely on their top negotiators to assess the needs of the other party and calmly identify solutions that result in a sale at the end of the day.
#5: Emotional Control
It’s easy to get excited when a negotiation seems to be going your way, after all, it feels like winning.
On the other hand, some people may lose their temper or focus when things aren’t going their way.
Maintaining control of your emotions allows you to stay in control of the negotiation. But, by allowing the other party to see your emotions, your buttons can be easily pushed, resulting in a power shift.
#6: Ability to Think Under Pressure
Thinking on one’s feet is a key skill that every negotiator should possess. Negotiations are stressful and require big decisions to be made quickly.
A strong negotiator can absorb new information quickly and determine the best course of action right away.
Maintaining a level head under stress can also give you the upper hand in a negotiation.
#7: The Power of Persuasion
Every negotiation requires all parties involved to work together to achieve compromise. In a perfect world, this would happen without the need for persuasion.
However, every good negotiator needs to use the power of persuasion to reach an agreement.
Knowing when and how to use persuasion is critical. Reaching a point in the negotiation where the parties involved don’t agree or seem to have reached an impasse is likely when persuasion will be necessary.
Knowing how to effectively persuade someone, without insulting them or giving them the impression that you’re desperate, can quickly turn a failing negotiation around.
#8: Confidence
Negotiating requires you to assert yourself and make your intentions known while also maintaining your composure.
Oftentimes, negotiations fall flat before they even get started because the negotiator doesn’t believe they deserve what they’re asking for.
A good negotiator will project strong will and confidence throughout the process which affects the opposing party. Without knowing it, they’ll begin to see your point of view.
How Do You Become a Certified Negotiator?
While negotiation certification is not necessary in most cases, there are multiple accredited programs available.
Many universities and third-party programs offer negotiation skills training certification. It’s best to choose a program that encompasses your specific area of business and the type of negotiations you encounter on a daily basis.
How Much Does Negotiation Skills Training Certification Cost?
Negotiation skills training certifications are available in varying price ranges, from $99 to thousands of dollars. It’s important to know that negotiation training is not always a “get what you pay for” situation.
More important than cost is that the training delivers the skills you need for your specific environment, desired outcome, and the people and businesses involved in your negotiations.
Shopping by cost alone can lead to disappointment and leave you without the skills and confidence to implement what you’ve learned.
Contact The Maker Group for Real-World Negotiation Skills Training
It’s our mission to maximize the negotiation potential within your team.
Our years of negotiation consulting and background as commercial negotiators have positioned us as leaders in negotiation training, and we’re here to help you.
The Maker Group stands out from other negotiation training firms because of our customized and unique approach that utilizes a rigorous 8-step process for negotiating based on proven behavioral frameworks.
We consistently exceed the expectations of our clients, and here’s why:
- We don’t use outsourced contractors
- We customize our training to fit the needs of your organization
- Our practical methodology is proven to drive profitability for organizations
The Maker Framework is an eight-phase process that utilizes a digital negotiation planning tool throughout the workshop to build mock negotiations.
Not only will your team learn everything they need to know about the negotiation process, but you have a tool that you can use based on your specific negotiation needs.
Learning the real-world techniques that work are more valuable than a “LinkedIn Badge” or theoretical certification will prove invaluable to your organization.
Contact The Maker Group for more information about our available training, consultations, and workshops.
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