Negotiation Simulation Essay Example

Negotiation Simulation

Negotiation Simulation

A negotiation process starts when there is conflict. In my case the conflict was failing a drug test and being suspended from my job with a possibility of dismissal. The aim is of the negotiation process is to show my innocence so that I can keep working for the Bundoora Bus Company. The negotiation simulation starts off with the HR manager explaining the position of the employee, the situation as recorded and his responsibility in the context of the situation and the negotiation process.

Negotiation Technique or Tactics

My negotiation technique started off by listening and understanding the issues to be addressed. I listened to what the HR manager had to say from his explanation on why the drug test is necessary in the workplace to being given a second chance and taking an outpatient program. Listening and understanding the other person’s point of view helped me get the time to formulate the appropriate responses on the key issues being discussed. Additionally, actively listening to the HR manager and the other parties in the negotiation process helped me gain insight into what is important to the other side, their limitations, and areas where they may be flexible so that I could exploit that. Therefore, my first tactic was to actively listen and refrain from talking too much.

Secondly, I wanted to keep the negotiations as professional and courteous as possible. I love working for the Bundoora Bus Company and thus, I did not want to exhibit a negative attitude towards my work or management. Therefore, during the negotiation I used polite language and did not interrupt the other speakers as they laid out the issue. I wanted to have the ability to still do business or apply for a job again in the company in case I got fired and being abusive and disrespectful would have been detrimental to my negotiations. Therefore, I used a collaborative and respectful tone to establish my case and negotiate to keep my job.

Thirdly, I shared information and expressed my priorities to the HR manager. I told him that I have a big family and all the money I make working as a bus driver goes to support them and thus, I have none left to spend on drugs. I had to share personal information to enhance the outcome of the whole process. Additionally, having the union representative talk about my personal achievements and concerns was a negation tactic that I hoped would positively influence results of the negotiation so that I do not get fired. I presented my priorities to the manager and by being transparent I wanted him to understand that failing the drug test was not as a result of any wilful doing on my part.

Finally, I was willing to make trade-off rather than willingly submit and concede to just being fired. The whole point of the negotiation process was to find common ground which we did. The HR manager was willing to offer an outpatient program which is less expensive than me having to pay ten thousand for failing a drug test. I avoided the bad strategy of negotiating by repeatedly conceding because I wanted a second chance to work for the company and I knew that I had the support of the Union and the company did not have a strong case against me.

Lessons from the Simulation Exercise

I learned that the practice of negotiation and dispute resolution requires a lot of communication between the parties involved. Sharing of information is essential for the people involved to reach a consensus. A mutually-beneficial solution cannot be reached if important information is not disclosed. In the negotiation simulation a win-win situation was reached because management was willing to disclose that there is another alternative known as the outpatient programme instead of paying ten thousand. Successful bargaining is only possible where the person in the inferior position of power has all the information needed to make a deal.

The other lesson is that brainstorming rather than criticizing generates quality ideas. The main aim of the negotiation and dispute resolution practice is to find a favorable solution to all the parties. Therefore, it is essential that all the parties come into the negotiation table prepared and ready to come up with different ideas. Additionally, no ideas should just be shot down because that is disrespectful and no solution will be found if the parties are rude to one another.

Lastly, I learnt that a multi-party negotiation requires moderation and great co-ordination. There are different ideas and opinions involved in any negotiation and dispute resolution process. Therefore, immense harmonization is needed to ensure that all the parties are heard so as to meet the goals of the process. Managing a negotiation process is chaotic and challenging and the HR manager did a good job in coordinating the negotiation simulation because he always let everyone have a chance at expressing their opinion.

Own Strengths and Weaknesses

As an active participant in the negotiation simulation I learnt that I have different strengths and weakness. My main strength is the ability to communicate clearly. Every time I was asked a question, I did not hesitate to answer or mutter incomprehensibly. I articulated my answers in a way that was plain and easily understood. I also learnt that I am a good listener because being an active listener means giving others a chance to talk before responding. I kept quiet most of the time, so that the HR manager can negotiate with the Union representative who was there to represent me. However, I was still involved in the discussion and I was listening to all the issues being addressed so that I was in a position to answer any question directed at me.

However, I also noted that my weakness is being to brief and concise in my answers. The problem is that some answers may require an explanation and instead of doing so I just gave a short answer direct to the point without clarification or expounding. The habit can be very detrimental to a negotiation process because people often require more information before making a decision. I was not surprised by my reaction or the behavior of the other actors in the negotiation process because I expected the process to be well coordinated and mature.