In any business or open engagement involving several people, divergent opinions and views are always bound to rise. For one, it’s not always that people are expected to amicably agree on every issue that they contend with. But as a good leader, one ought to learn negotiating skills and be decent in the art, to ensure they’re always a good balance struck between any feuding sides. Through negotiating, groups or individuals involved in a tussle can resolve a troubling issue by compromising and coming up with a better settlement that is satisfactory to both parties. A negotiation is also a key approach in solving problems and managing conflicts not just within the confines of a corporate setting, but also in an individual’s personal life; such as in their marriages. While anyone could possess the knack to negotiate their way out of any potentially tricky situation, it is worthwhile to be a strong negotiator to be able to easily intervene in much more problematic situations, as these are always bound to happen. And Diego Ruiz Duran, a renowned Mexico City-based criminal defense attorney and law professor advises that confidence is often a key attribute that one has to have, to develop strong negotiating skills. In line with his profession that requires constant negotiating, this Escuela Libre de Derecho graduate attributes the success that he has achieved to the confidence that he has in his abilities. He opines that it is his courageous drive coupled with a confident mentality that has helped him win court cases for his clients.

A strong negotiator, therefore, has to always have a myriad of principles in mind when they go to the negotiating table. These include; but are not limited to having the ability to come to the negotiations with a keen focus on what they want out of the deal. The outcome of the negotiations is important, and while the whole process may be mentally exhausting, a strong negotiator hardly loses sight of the outcome they intend to have. They, therefore, would always measure their antagonist’s arguments and civilly respond with their rejoinders; always with the envisioned conclusion in mind. Another key aspect is for one to be able to rightly pick the appropriate moment to engage in negotiations. A strong negotiator should be able to gauge the correct time to engage with their challenger and this should be when the opponent is in their right frame of mind and open to listening to the negotiations. It wouldn’t be easy to convince someone to listen when they are under duress, angry, stressed up or tired of engaging in any negotiations. Better preparation is similarly a factor one considers when they want to be stronger negotiators. This serves the purpose of helping them put forth points of view that are equally stronger and convincing. It also calms the negotiator enhancing their coherence and ability to well articulate their arguments. Further to this, a negotiator should be good with dialogues and be able to approach the negotiation as a cordial conversation and not a war of words.

In all these instances, confidence categorically plays a key role, as envisaged by Diego Ruiz Duran who holds a Master’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He recommends that one has to strive to boost this quality by being committed to positivity in their capabilities, working on their social skills, observing how others who are confident are achieving this feat and imitating them, and taking good care of themselves to shed off any nuances of negativity that they may have about themselves.