I teach negotiation skills. I've been doing it for decades. If you ask me for the most important thing to master, to become an exceptional negotiator, here's my answer.

‍

Be willing to walk.

‍

Yep. Just be willing to walk from the table, from the people, from the situation, from the deal.

‍

If you're unwilling or unable, they own you. They own your negotiation. They'll make final determination of your profit margin.

‍

You don't like that, do you? Me neither.

‍

Do you want higher returns on your business projects? Learn to negotiate better. Want less friction at home? Learn to negotiate better.

‍

And remember, you're always negotiating with people, whether they're family, friends, co-workers, bosses, or employees.

‍

It's a choice like most everything else in life. Choose better.

‍

Be willing to walk away from anything that isn't good for you. Good for you, for your family, and for your team.

‍

Why? Because it's win, win, or it's lose, lose. There's no third way.

‍

And you're only as free as your options. Make sure what you choose to do is good for you and yours. Since your life is an ongoing negotiation, which doesn't stop till you do. Learn to negotiate better.

‍

And by the way, you can guarantee improvement immediately. Be more willing to walk.