Aprendamos de los Mas Grandes Negociadores del Mundo...: Alejandro Hernandez Seijo at TEDxValencia

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the negotiation techniques utilized by some of the world’s greatest negotiators—children. Drawing on insights from Alejandro Hernandez Seijo's TEDx Talk, we will learn how children navigate negotiations with adults, despite lacking authority or power. This guide will provide actionable steps to enhance your negotiation skills by adopting strategies inspired by children's innate abilities.

Step 1: Understand the Power Dynamics

• Recognize the difference in power between adults and children.
• Acknowledge that children often negotiate without the same tools as adults but achieve their goals effectively.
• Consider how this dynamic can inform your approach in situations where you feel less powerful.

Step 2: Embrace Simplicity

• Children communicate their needs and desires clearly and simply.
• Practice articulating your goals in straightforward terms.
• Avoid overcomplicating your requests; clarity can enhance your persuasive power.

Step 3: Use Active Listening

• Observe how children listen intently during negotiations, responding to the cues and emotions of the adults.
• Practice active listening by:
  • Maintaining eye contact.
  • Nodding and giving verbal acknowledgments.
  • Paraphrasing what the other party has said to show understanding.

Step 4: Display Confidence

• Children often exude confidence when they negotiate, using body language that conveys assurance.
• Work on your posture, maintain eye contact, and use a firm but friendly tone.
• Practice your negotiation skills in low-stakes situations to build confidence.

Step 5: Leverage Creativity

• Children are naturally creative, often thinking outside the box to get what they want.
• Approach negotiations with an open mind and brainstorm alternative solutions that can satisfy both parties.
• Consider using visual aids or storytelling to enhance your proposals.

Step 6: Stay Resilient

• Children demonstrate resilience, often persisting until they achieve their desired outcome.
• Develop a mindset that embraces persistence. If your initial proposal is rejected, take time to regroup and come back with a revised approach.
• Reflect on past negotiations to learn from setbacks and improve future strategies.

Conclusion

Negotiating like a child involves embracing simplicity, confidence, creativity, and resilience. By understanding the power dynamics at play and adopting these child-like qualities, you can improve your negotiation skills significantly. Start practicing these techniques in your daily interactions, and notice the difference in your ability to achieve your goals. Remember, negotiation is a skill that can be developed over time, so keep refining your approach!