Women’s GP Summit panel - Becoming an effective negotiator: What it takes

Moira Conlon moderates panel at Women’s GP Summit - "successful negotiation requires thoughtful preparation and effective communication"

The stellar panel of leaders who joined Moira for an insightful conversation on negotiation at With Intelligence - Women's Summits' second annual Women’s GP Summit included: Shalini Bala Subramaniam of Clearlake Capital Group, Eileen Mancera of Post Advisory Group, and Scottie Wardell of Apollo Global Management, Inc. 

Here are a few of the takeaways:
** The definition of negotiation is to carry on business – it’s about reaching an agreement, not cutting the price
** Focus on the outcome, not winning every single point
** Successful negotiation requires thoughtful preparation and effective communication
** Build rapport and trust, because negotiation is often an ongoing process, not a one-time event
** Know what you can live with at the outset and be willing to walk away
** Remember that you’ll often have to work with the people you’re negotiating with after the deal is done
** Shut up and let the pregnant pauses happen
** Use a calm, measured tone – assume a “late night FM DJ voice” when you need to
** Be willing to say you're sorry; this shows strength, not weakness

Above all, the panelists agreed that effective negotiation skills come from intense preparation, excellent communications skills, high emotional intelligence, and a bias towards lifelong learning and practice.