Negotiation is a skill used to resolve conflicts and reach mutually beneficial outcomes. It is the cornerstone of successful business dealings and relationships, and an invaluable asset for both individuals and organizations.

Negotiation involves two or more parties exchanging views and attempting to reach a mutually acceptable solution. The goal is to achieve a “win-win” outcome, where both parties can come away feeling that their needs have been met. This involves a degree of compromise, but both parties should be willing to negotiate a satisfactory outcome - if one person's needs are met, then the other person's generally will be too.

Negotiating doesn't have to be adversarial - it can be an exercise in problem-solving. Each participant should express their views, interests and concerns while trying to understand the other person's point of view. The resulting outcome should be a balance between the two parties' needs.

Good negotiation skills are the key to achieving these outcomes. It is important to have an understanding of the other party's motivations and needs, so open, honest and transparent discussions should be encouraged. All parties should feel supported and heard. Listening without interruption to the other party is a great way to show respect and build trust. Being able to identify common goals and interests is critical to successful negotiations.

It is also important to feel comfortable talking about money and other terms. Being willing to compromise is often necessary to achieve a successful outcome, but it should be done in a way that both parties feel their needs have been met.

Ultimately, negotiation involves finding a balance between the two parties' needs - a mutually agreeable outcome that is focused on finding common ground. With a respectful and trusting environment, and clear communication of both parties' objectives and needs, negotiating can be a fruitful means of resolving a conflict.