Bulletproofing by Looking Out for Number One
Editor’s note: Linda Swindling is a regular guest contributor to this blog.
Linda Byars Swindling, negotiation authority, former employment attorney, and author
Great negotiators don’t worry about paying the monthly light bill. Angst over personal finances or job security weakens your negotiation performance. Here are 7 ways to address personal needs and improve negotiation performance:
1. Clean up your financial house. If you are working just to pay off debt, it is hard to get motivated each day. Pay credit card balances in full monthly and/or move to a lower interest rate. Downsize, simplify, and live beneath your means.
2. Establish an emergency fund. If you don’t have one, delay purchases, work a second job, sell the things you don’t need, eliminate luxury expenses, dining out….
How to be the Family CFO by Kim Snider
3. Determine your net learning for the year. Yes, net learning not earnings. If you had to go get a job tomorrow would you be competitive and current? If not, sign up for a course or ask for a project to expose you to those needed skill sets. Have you learned so much this year that you must update your resume to reflect your accomplishments and the responsibility you took?
5. Take good care of you. Ever negotiate with someone who was overworked or stressed? Did they look secure? Stress takes its toll on your body. Increase your exercise, decrease alcohol consumption, improve eating habits and geta good night’s sleep. Use the company employment assistance resources if needed.
6. Network with the powerful and positive. Reconnect with your friends and business associates. Find out what others are doing and how you can be of service. Avoid those energy drainers. Worriers, doomsayers and the negatively imbalanced are not only depressing, they can be contagious. Instead of confusing or emotionally challenged people are seeking like minds, you need to be surrounded by people who want you to succeed.
7. Give back. Someone always has it worse. When you give to someone, you feel more powe
rful and more in control. Clean out your closet, garage, attic or storage unit and give what you don’t need to others. Visit the elderly, help a scout, volunteer at a shelter, repair a house, clean up a park, read to school children, become a mentor…. You know what needs to be done or you know the person who does know. Give your time and attention where it is needed. The ability to give shows you just how much you have.
Your ability to appear confident in negotiations is tied to being confident about your personal life. Now, go make that deal.