The path to mentorship is a not an easy one. It is a long road filled with many twists and turns. As a mentor, there are a number of tools that you’ll need at your disposal when the going gets tough.
So, in the third part of our “How to be a great mentor” series, we discuss the value and importance of being a good negotiator. Negotiation is an easy skill to pick up but it’s hard to master. Most negotiations are derailed by emotional decisions, arguments and personal preferences. We have put together three easy tips that you can use in your negotiations to ensure that the end result is always favourable.
Tip number 1: Communication
You guessed it — the foundation of any negotiation is communication. You need to establish clear-cut communication channels with your mentee or whomever you intend to negotiate with. Learn to speak in the person’s language and constantly maintain a tone of voice that is inviting and understanding. Listen at least as much as you speak. Be aware of the terms of the negotiation in order to get the best possible result.
Tip number 2: Build a relationship
It is far easier to reason with someone who you know and understand. So in this instance it is vital that you get into the head of your mentee or the person you are negotiating with. This will make it easier for you to understand what it is that each of you want. The stronger the bond between the two of you, the easier it will be to support one another and the decisions you make. The old cliché here is “Respect” and you will need to have it in abundance.
Tip number 3: Learn to back down
Accept it: you won’t win every negotiation. The key here is to learn through each experience. With dialogue and conversation, you will learn more and more about your mentee. They will begin to reveal themselves to you like an open book. This is why we encourage negotiation and conversing with your mentee on a regular basis. It is often through discourse and hardship that we learn our greatest lessons. Do not fear the prospect of your mentee being angry with you. Rather embrace the fact that you are doing what is best for them.
There are various ways to go about negotiating with your mentee. It is vital that you choose a method that works for the relationship and that both of you learn and grow through the experience.
In closing, we believe that mentorship should be filled with bliss, even through the tough times. If you have any other ideas on how to be a great mentor, please write to us on our Facebook page— we would love to hear from you.
