What do you do if your negotiation fails and stress and anxiety start to overwhelm you?

1 Acknowledge Feelings

When you're faced with a failed negotiation, the first step is to acknowledge your feelings without judgment. Accept that it's normal to feel stressed or anxious when things don't go as planned. By recognizing these emotions, you allow yourself to process them and prevent them from taking control. This self-awareness is crucial as it forms the foundation for your subsequent actions and decisions. It's like hitting the pause button, allowing you to step back and assess the situation calmly.

2 Analyze Outcomes

Take a moment to analyze the outcomes objectively. Reflect on what led to the negotiation's failure and consider what you could have done differently. This isn't about dwelling on mistakes but about learning from them. Think about the negotiation process, your preparation, the strategies you used, and how the other party responded. By understanding the factors that contributed to the result, you can better prepare for future negotiations and improve your approach.

3 Self-Care Priority

Prioritize self-care to manage stress and anxiety effectively. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental health not only helps you recover from the immediate effects of a stressful negotiation but also strengthens your resilience for future challenges. Remember that your health is an asset in all aspects of life, including negotiation.

4 Seek Support

Don't hesitate to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or a professional coach. Talking through the experience with someone who understands the nuances of negotiation can provide valuable insights and help you regain perspective. They might offer advice or strategies that you hadn't considered, which could be beneficial in similar situations down the line. Moreover, simply having someone to listen can be incredibly therapeutic and reduce feelings of isolation.

5 Plan Next Steps

Once you've processed your emotions and gathered insights, it's time to plan your next steps. Whether it's preparing to re-enter negotiations or moving on to other opportunities, having a clear action plan can help alleviate anxiety. Set realistic goals and timelines for yourself, and consider what resources or skills you might need to improve your chances of success in the future. This proactive approach can help shift your focus from what went wrong to what you can do next.

6 Maintain Perspective

Finally, maintain perspective by reminding yourself that failure is a part of growth. Every experienced negotiator has faced setbacks at some point, and it's through these challenges that skills are honed and resilience is built. Recognize that this experience has not defined you but rather provided a learning opportunity that can enhance your negotiation skills going forward. Keep sight of the bigger picture and use this moment as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?