You’ve just closed a big deal. Maybe you’ve dealt with a challenge or settled dispute. Perhaps you’ve successfully negotiated through a complex situation with multiple parties and moving parts. What happens next?
Negotiators have different methods of acknowledging milestones and successful outcomes.
Some dealmakers publicly celebrate good outcomes with their team or friends. Some stop to pause and reflect. At times, they have a ritual like dinner at a special restaurant. Other negotiators think the good results are the reward. They use the success to fuel their other efforts and get back to work.
❓How do you recognize a done deal or the conclusion of a negotiation?
🗣 Here are a few comments from those who took our poll:
“The connection of the join celebration-however small-can be glue for the team.” Jonas Bull
“I’ve celebrated with the team, but not in such a big way that they think “the job is done.” Once we negotiate a deal, we need to deliver on everything we promised and I always look for an opportunity to over-deliver with something extra.” Melinda Marcus, M.A., CSP
“If it’s a BIG deal, we should celebrate, reflect on what we’ve learned (maybe in a light way) and thank the people who made it happen. I’ve even enjoyed having post negotiation dinners with “the other side” as it helps to mend any kinks in our relationship, which is often ongoing. We just fought it out, and now we have to work together, so let’s break bread. My two cents.” Al Comeaux
“I think both the celebration and the reflection are needed. The former to boost the team and the latter to ensure you learn what worked and what didn’t.” Terrell Jones
All of these are good points. Some people fail to reflect on the winning deals. They only focus on the ones that don’t result in a positive outcome. There are lessons that come from good outcomes that should be repeated.