Are You a Good Negotiator?

A position has just been offered to you in another company with lots of growth opportunities, a good pay raise, but not the best benefits. They want an answer as soon as possible.

a. You tell them exactly how it has to be and are inflexible.

b. You express your interest, share your excitement, but tell them you require better benefits.

c. They might pass you over if you keep them waiting, so you say yes.

Correct!

Wrong!

Plans to go out to see a movie with friends are changed when they invite someone else, who wants to see a movie you’ve already seen.

a. You tell your friends you’re planning on seeing the first movie even if you have to go alone. That was the original plan.

b. You remind your friends that the last two movies you all saw were their choice, and they said next time was your pick. You want the original plans.

c. You’re annoyed, but you go anyway. It takes too much effort to convince them.

Correct!

Wrong!

You have to work on a project with someone who loves the spotlight. You’re worried that you’ll end up doing all the grunt work.

a. You refuse to let him take all the credit, so you challenge him from the get-go and don’t back down.

b. You organize the tasks into most complicated and most simple. You keep your eyes on the ones you really want and let go of the others, realizing it’s best if there’s a give and take.

c. Maybe he’s the center of attention for a reason. You go with it.

Correct!

Wrong!

A potential new employer asks to you name your salary.

a. You ask for a salary way beyond industry standard, thinking it’s gutsy.

b. You ask what the salary range is and come up with a figure after she responds.

c. It’s a tough job market so you ask for your minimal requirement.

Correct!

Wrong!

You need to schedule a negotiation with your boss regarding a promotion, which makes you anxious, so…

a. At a cocktail reception you tell your boss how unhappy you are and lay out 3 things that are nonnegotiable.

b. You schedule a time to meet and bring strong notes to help you negotiate.

c. You keep putting it off because you’re unsure how she’ll respond.

Correct!

Wrong!