Negotiation Skills Training - Brisbane

Negotiation Skills Training - Brisbane

You know that sinking feeling when you walk out of a meeting knowing you could've gotten a better deal? Whether it's negotiating your salary, working out project timelines with stakeholders, or trying to get buy-in from your team on a new process, most of us weren't exactly taught how to navigate these conversations at school. Yet here we are, expected to negotiate our way through workplace situations every single day.

I've been training people in negotiation skills for over a decade, and I can tell you the biggest mistake most professionals make is thinking negotiation is about winning at all costs. That adversarial approach might work once, but it'll burn bridges faster than you can build them. The real skill is learning how to find solutions that work for everyone while still getting what you need.

This isn't about becoming some slick-talking wheeler-dealer. It's about having honest conversations where you can advocate for yourself and your team without damaging relationships. Think about it - you're probably already negotiating more than you realise. When you're trying to secure resources for your project, working out deadlines with your manager, or even deciding who's covering the late shift, you're negotiating. The difference is whether you're doing it well or just hoping for the best.

What makes negotiation tricky in the workplace is that you usually have to work with these people again tomorrow. You can't just walk away if things don't go your way. That's why the strategies we'll cover focus on building long-term relationships while still achieving your objectives. We'll look at real workplace scenarios - not some theoretical boardroom takeover - because that's where you'll actually use these skills.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for any negotiation conversation, from salary reviews to project scope discussions. You'll discover how to research the other party's position and identify what they really need, not just what they're asking for. We'll cover how to set your own boundaries and know your walk-away point before you even start talking.

Practical communication techniques that help you stay calm and focused when the pressure's on. This includes how to ask the right questions to uncover underlying interests, how to present your case clearly without sounding demanding, and what to do when emotions start running high in the room.

Strategies for finding creative solutions that address everyone's core needs. You'll learn how to brainstorm options together rather than just trading concessions back and forth. We'll also tackle how to handle difficult behaviours and personalities during negotiations.

How to close agreements that stick and build stronger working relationships for the future. This includes techniques for summarising what's been agreed, setting clear next steps, and following up effectively.

The Bottom Line

By the end of this training, you'll approach workplace negotiations with confidence instead of dread. You'll have a toolkit of practical strategies that help you get better outcomes while maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. More importantly, you'll understand that good negotiation isn't about manipulation or aggression - it's about clear communication and creative problem solving. Whether you're negotiating budgets, timelines, or responsibilities, you'll know how to have those conversations professionally and effectively.