The Importance of Innovation and Creativity in Deal Making: Case Study

The Challenge:
Chris, a tenant, wanted to negotiate a reduced monthly rent for his flat. Unfortunately, he was already paying below the market rate, making it challenging to get the landlord to agree to his request. He tried negotiating by offering to pay six months of rent in advance for a reduced rate, but the landlord refused. Chris persisted in his negotiations, but things seemed to reach a dead end.

The Solution:
Chris did not hold his cards close, and instead of giving up, he decided to ''expand the pie''. He came up with a suggestion that could please both parties. Chris offered to pay for any repairs that arise in the flat for a reduced monthly rate. This innovative solution was a win-win situation for both parties.

The Outcome:
The landlord agreed to Chris's suggestion, and it was a done deal. Chris was able to negotiate a reduced monthly rate, and the landlord had the assurance that any repairs in the flat would be taken care of by the tenant. Although it was a risk for Chris, he was willing to take it, and it paid off in the end.

The Lessons Learned:
Chris's negotiation strategy provides valuable lessons for dealmaking.

Lesson 1: Go into a negotiation knowing exactly what you want.
The first lesson to learn from Chris's negotiation strategy is to go into a negotiation with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. This means setting specific goals and objectives for the negotiation, outlining what you are willing to compromise on and what is non-negotiable. Having a clear understanding of your desired outcome helps you stay focused and on track during the negotiation, and it helps you communicate your needs effectively to the other party.

Lesson 2: Conduct market research.
The second lesson to learn is the importance of conducting market research. Before going into a negotiation, it is crucial to gather as much information as possible about the market, the industry, and the other party. This information can give you leverage in the negotiation, and it can help you understand the other party's perspective and interests. By conducting thorough research, you can identify potential areas of compromise and develop innovative solutions that can benefit both parties.

Lesson 3: Put yourself in the other party's shoes.
The third lesson to learn is to put yourself in the other party's shoes. By understanding the other party's perspective and interests, you can develop a more effective negotiation strategy. This means considering the other party's needs, concerns, and priorities and developing solutions that address their interests as well as your own. By taking a collaborative approach to negotiation, you can build trust and rapport with the other party and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Lesson 4: Use an integrative approach.
The fourth lesson to learn is to use an integrative approach to negotiation. Integrative negotiation is a collaborative approach that focuses on creating value for both parties. This means looking for solutions that can benefit both parties rather than trying to win at the other party's expense. By using an integrative approach, you can build stronger relationships with the other party, increase the likelihood of future collaboration, and create a more positive outcome for all parties involved.

Lesson 5: Understand that negotiations are rarely binary in life.
The final lesson to learn is that negotiations are rarely binary in life. There is almost always a third, fourth, or fifth solution that can be explored. This means being open to creative solutions and innovative ideas that can expand the pie and create value for both parties. By being flexible and open-minded during the negotiation, you can increase the likelihood of finding a mutually beneficial solution that satisfies everyone's interests.

In conclusion, being innovative and creative in dealmaking can lead to successful negotiations. When negotiations seem to reach a dead-end, it is important to expand the pie and think outside the box to find a solution that benefits both parties. By following the lessons learned from Chris's negotiation strategy, you can gain leverage in negotiations and reach a beneficial deal for all parties involved.

At Creo Incubator, our negotiation course can help you develop the skills and strategies you need to become an effective negotiator. This course is designed to help you achieve your goals while building positive relationships with the other party, and it can give you a competitive edge in your career and personal life.