What can children teach us about negotiating?

We've been negotiating since the day we were born and as we grow older we learn to apply this key skill to varying degrees of success.

So, what can we learn from children about becoming more effective at negotiating?

Here are 3 things to start with:

1) Straight talking. 

Kids don't beat around the bush, they just say it and they repeat it over and over again (the broken record technique). The child's mind is not developed enough to consider the appropriateness of their demands and how it may impact the other party's feelings. They're looking after their own best interests and have their mind on the prize.

2) Lots of questions.

There is one thing you can be sure of, children do a lot of this - in particular the "why?" question. This gets the other party talking and revealing information to justify their position. A great opportunity for the child to pick holes in arguments to gain the upper hand.

3) Opening extreme. This is about asking for more than you want, and not being afraid to do so, knowing you have room to move if necessary. After all, negotiation requires movement. In the child's mind, fairness is one-way - it has to suit them! Aim for the stars and you'll reach the moon.

Health warning - the negotiator should always consider the appropriateness of the behaviours and tactics they employ. The tips above are more suited to competitive negotiations.

James