How to cope with aggressive behaviour and maintain self control

At some points in people’s lives, they may have witnessed their counterparts display unsolicited feats of aggression, especially during negotiations. Sometimes, it raises the question of whether an inappropriate approach was employed. Or if some unsettling words have been used in the course of the talk.

Maintaining composure in the face of a manipulative tactic often proves difficult. However, negotiation training companies like the Gap Partnership teaches trusted ways to take charge of the negotiation process. The general truth is that the harder one gets pushed, the more likely they are to make concessions. The secret to keeping the other party in check is to gain their respect. Earning the respect of people is not rocket science. With the right approach, one can be on the right track to gaining the respect of people in negotiations and relationships.

• Get Prepared on time: Before beginning the talk, prepare all your facts, backed up by research. When you can present accurate information, the other party is least likely to box you into a corner. It also ensures you are not put on the spot or caught unawares. Know what there is to be known to give yourself an advantage.
• Be Principled: Before heading into a relationship, always create some rules and guidelines that will help make the negotiation less strenuous. When one finds one’s self in an uncomfortable terrain while bargaining, it is best to take a break and critically examine the situation.
• Be Proactive; ask questions where they matter: If given a chance to take the floor, aggressive negotiators will talk down their counterparts. Create pauses in the discussion by asking relevant questions. It takes the counterpart off guard and settles the atmosphere. To avoid being rushed, ask for reasons an urgent action is required.
• Don’t be afraid to turn down last-minute demands: Often, refusing to give in to last-minute request, not initially stated in the deal will not break the deal. Always remember your principles and do show willingness to concede. Stand your ground, and focus on your interests as well.
• Identify the aggressive tactic: There are not always many aggressive negotiators. As such, it may be hard to identify them. However, take caution to watch out for manipulative gestures from the other party. It is evident when the other party does not consider your input in the discussion and tries to buy you over without making clear your benefits in the deal.
• Be clear about your standpoint: When you are resolute about your stand, the other party is forced to retreat and come up with a better strategy. However, when people settle for aggression in negotiation, it is because they have run out of options already. Congratulations, things are looking bright already.

Dealing with aggressive negotiators can take the wind out of anybody. It quickly gets into the head of the other party and influences their decisions. The result is usually regrettable actions, which is why one must strive to maintain a calm disposition in the wake of forceful manipulation.

• Understand the needs and pain points of the other party.
• Be conscious of the situation and remind yourself not to be roped into the agenda of the counterpart.
• Take breaks when you feel tense.
• Make small concessions while maintaining the terms that are important to you.
• Seek a win-win approach to the negotiation.
• You do not have to make all conclusions on the spot. You can request to continue the discussion later.

In the end, you may still arrive at crossroads with the discussion. You do not have to seal every deal. Give your counterpart an option to cancel the agreement when all other things fail. A no-deal may be better than having to deal with an impossible person or situation.