Q & A Table of Contents
The Importance of Writing in Negotiation
From: Wilasinee in Thailand
Question: How important are writing skills in negotiation?
Response: There are many skills we need to use in negotiation; since
negotiation is the process of communicating information, good writing skills
can contribute to mutual understanding between or among the parties.
Most of the negotiations we conduct are face-to-face. In those situations,
and certainly when we are compelled to negotiate at at distance, good
writing skills are extremely useful when we are preparing a 'physical'
summary of what has been agreed.
How frustrating it is when we, and people with whom we negotiate, cannot
agree on what was discussed the last time we met. Thus, when working with
someone to reach an agreement, it makes excellent sense to record the topics
that have been discussed on a piece of paper. Once the topic has been
covered, the parties can initial that part of the paper before going on to
the next issue.
Unless the elements of the discussion are described clearly in the writing,
there can be misunderstandings.
When the process is conducted by correspondence (fax, email, letters) the
writing is the essence of the process.
So, there's the long answer to your short question: writing skills are quite
important as a means of recording the understanding resulting from the
negotiation process.
Enjoy the negotiation process.
Steve
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