Negotiation Skills Training - Melbourne

Negotiation Skills Training - Melbourne

You know that moment when you're sitting across from someone and you can feel the tension in the room? Maybe it's a salary review, a vendor contract discussion, or trying to get your team to agree on project deadlines. Your palms get a bit sweaty and you think "I really should have prepared better for this." If that sounds familiar, you're definitely not alone.

I've been training people in negotiation for over fifteen years, and honestly, most folks come to these sessions thinking negotiation is about winning at all costs or being super aggressive. That couldn't be further from the truth. Real negotiation is about finding solutions that work for everyone - and yes, that's actually possible more often than you'd think.

Here's what I see happening in workplaces every day: people avoid difficult conversations because they're worried about conflict, or they give in too quickly because they don't want to seem unreasonable. Then there are those who swing the other way and come on way too strong, damaging relationships in the process. None of these approaches work well in the long run.

This course is built around real situations you'll actually face. We're not talking about theoretical boardroom scenarios - we're dealing with the everyday stuff. Like when your supplier suddenly wants to change terms mid-contract, or when you need extra resources for your project but the budget's already tight. We'll work through practical negotiation techniques that you can use the minute you walk back into your office.

What makes this training different is that we focus on building relationships while getting results. You'll learn how to read the room, understand what the other person really needs (it's often not what they're saying), and structure conversations so everyone feels heard. We cover everything from preparation techniques to handling those curveball moments when negotiations go sideways.

What You'll Learn

You'll discover how to prepare for any negotiation so you feel confident going in, even when stakes are high. We'll show you how to listen for the real interests behind people's positions - because once you understand what someone actually needs, solutions become much clearer. You'll practice different questioning techniques that help you gather information without making people defensive.

We'll also work on managing your own emotions during tense moments and how to keep discussions productive when temperatures start rising. You'll learn specific phrases and approaches for common workplace scenarios, plus how to handle those people who seem to enjoy making everything difficult.

By the end of the day, you'll have a toolkit of strategies you can adapt to any situation, whether you're resolving workplace conflicts or negotiating project timelines with your boss.

The Bottom Line

This isn't about becoming some cutthroat negotiator who steamrolls everyone. It's about building your confidence to have the conversations that matter, getting better outcomes for yourself and your team, and actually enjoying the process instead of dreading it. When you know how to negotiate properly, work becomes less stressful and way more productive. Plus, these skills work just as well when you're dealing with contractors at home or figuring out weekend plans with your family.

Location: Melbourne