Q & A Table of Contents
TESTING ONE'S OWN NEGOTIATION SKILLS
From: Diamond Bar, California
Question: Is there a copy of a managerial/negotiator "type" self-test inclusive of the instructions and answer key that I can take to assess my strengths and weaknesses?
Response: While it is possible to find a variety of self-tests that presume to measure one's negotiation skills, I am not aware of any 'legitimate' self-test or analysis form that really works as a measure of an individual's specific negotiation style or skills.
There are such well-known self-tests as Myers-Briggs, but in my experience, there is no credible linkage between your score(s) and good negotiation techniques. Since negotiation, by its nature, takes place between two or more parties at interest, while one's understanding of oneself is of crucial importance, it does not take account of the interpersonal dynamic of a given negotiation or negotiation relationship. Thus, looking back at your experiences negotiating is likely to give you the clearest picture of what works for you and what needs to be improved.
The Negotiation Skills Companysm focuses on helping our training participants develop or enhance skills to bring flexibility and creativity to each negotiation. Someone you know very well may have gotten out of the wrong side of bed or have external issues that make his/her response in a given negotiation appear out of character. A good negotiator needs to be able to roll with the punches, and not depend of a set menu of rules and tactics that limit his/her capacity to make the deal work.
Don't forget , you can fight fires without burning bridges, Steve.
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