Cornell University

Labor Relations: Negotiation Skills for the Workplace

Thursday, October 8, 2020 3pm to 5pm

Negotiation is a fundamental method for resolving conflicts and reaching agreements to solve an array of workplace problems, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements

In this course, you'll study and practice negotiation skills through a series of role plays and experiential learning. Starting with simple, one-on-one negotiations of everyday situations, you'll progress to more complex group negotiations, including informal and formal workplace negotiation situations. You'll gain insight into your own negotiation biases, weaknesses, and strengths, and build negotiation confidence and competency. Participants examine how to plan a negotiation strategy and practice the communication skills necessary to surface the underlying needs and interests driving the negotiation in order to craft agreements. Both competitive and collaborative negotiation skills are explored.

This course features pre-session access to an individual conflict-style diagnostic tool to help you understand how your tendencies in dealing with conflict can help or hinder you in successful negotiations. The course requires two dedicated days of synchronous negotiation practice, as well as individual reflection and activity offline.

Key Course Takeaways

  • The basic building blocks of negotiation theory and practice
  • How to plan a negotiation approach and strategy
  • The communication skills necessary to surface underlying needs and interests
  • When to use competitive and collaborative negotiation techniques
  • How to flex your negotiation style to suit the situation
  • Conflict reactions and styles
  • Structuring the negotiation discussion process
  • Collaborative and competitive negotiation approaches
  • Building trust through negotiation