\”Negotiator – Is There Hidden Power In The Inferiority Myth” – Negotiation Tip of the Week

Is there a hidden power in the inferiority myth? In its purest form, it’s nothing more than a belief or disbelief that people accept or reject. The illusion exists in its ability to manipulate the thoughts of others for good or bad. Therefore, you should assess whether myths are good or bad, by the way you and others view them. After all, they shape people’s perspectives and opinions.

You’re continuously negotiating in all of your environments. And, as a negotiator, you should use every asset that’s available to enhance your efforts. The inferiority myth is one tool you can use to do that.

The following are ways to use inferiority myths.

  • Embolden others to feel good about themselves (e.g., I don’t think you’re inferior to anyone.)

  • As a source of neutrality (e.g., I always found everyone in your group/area to be open, honest, and easy to deal with. And I know dealing with you will be the same way.)

  • Perpetrate a stereotype that reflects the negative thoughts others have of an individual or group and cast yourself on the opposite side of that paradigm – This says, I respect you. We’re looking at this from the same perspective. I’m on your side (This is the good cop in the good cop, bad cop, scenario.)

  • Use to cast others as being inferior to you – Note: it takes a particular mindset to accept this pronouncement. Therefore, you should be mindful of whom you attempt to project this. Some people will perceive such sentiments as being derogatory. And this my insight them to become rigid, which may lead to confrontation or hostilities.

  • Use to cast yourself as being inferior to others – While most individuals seek to project strength, to appear in control, there are times when a demur posture can be beneficial. Casting yourself as being inferior can help that façade. Once again, be mindful of whom you project that image. While it will allow you to maintain a better position with some people, it can be to your detriment with others.

  • Use to cast your target’s group as being inferior to him (e.g., Why are you with them? You’re so much better than they are.) While this may work to separate individuals in a group from the group, it may backfire (i.e., He’s like my brother. And I’m just like him and proud of it!). So be cautious about with whom you attempt this.

  • Project yourself as a victim of perceived inferiority to the person you’re engaged with (e.g., Are you saying that I’m inferior to you? Why would you think that and why would you feel that way?) This can be the prelude to you feigning heightened aggression or agitation. You’d use this strategy with someone respectful of your authority who you want to restrain mentally. If you attempt to implement this with more strident individuals, you run the risk of encouraging them to become obstinate. So, be cautious. You don’t want to inflame anyone’s ire. That can lead to increased tensions.

As in every situation you encounter, you’re negotiating. Thus, as a negotiator, you’re always setting expectations. Some people will attempt to live up to them, while others will strive to live down to them. Hence, you must be sure you set the correct expectation based on the outcome you seek.

To set better expectations based on the inferiority myth, consider the source of power confronting you. If it’s potential trouble, you may suggest that the source’s ability is inferior. If that force is more amenable to follow your commands, indicate that everyone is on the right path (e.g., people that work together create more significant outcomes).

The point is, when employing the inferiority myth, make sure it serves the overall outcome you’re attempting to achieve. Anything less will put your efforts in jeopardy. That will cause unwanted anxiety and stress, which can add to a situation’s decline. Using myths correctly can be a valuable aid, but only if you use them properly. Once you do, you’ll be able to subdue challenges that, in the past, may have gotten out of hand… and everything will be right with the world.

Remember, you’re always negotiating!

Listen to Greg’s podcast at https://anchor.fm/themasternegotiator

After reading this article, what are you thinking? I’d like to know. Reach me at [email protected]

How to Make a Dynamic and Effective KPI Presentation

When we present our ideas to our colleagues, we should not only show them what we know about the topic but also explain to them what it is all about. One of the things that your employees and superiors should gain knowledge about is the key performance indicators or the KPIs. At first glance, people find it difficult to understand what this is all about. This is why you should be able to guide them and enhance their knowledge regarding the KPIs. They should comprehend why the company uses this performance measurement system and one way to do this is through KPI presentation.

When designing the KPI presentation, you should realize how important it is for the audience to grasp what you are trying to tell them at the end of the discussion. You can use a presentation program to generate the content and make it look more professional. During the design stage, there are four things that you should consider. The first and most significant is the content of the indicators PPT. You should know that content matters but as far as the KPI PowerPoint design is concerned, you should not judge it in terms of what is right or what is wrong. Rather, you should look at what is appropriate and what is not. You should consider the information that you will be sharing to your colleagues and whether or not they will be able to gain more details about the key performance indicators after you have discussed it with them.

Another is that you should make it simple but not simplistic. What most people do not know is that the most attractive visuals are the ones that are aimed towards simplicity. However, this does not mean that you will have to take for granted the content and the context of the KPI presentation. The visuals that you create should be able to support the needs of the audience by giving them meaningful and useful pieces of information. Make sure that you give them examples which are easily understandable by a wide variety of audience including those from the lower levels of the company.

The third thing that you should look at is the KPI PowerPoint design. If you will be using clip arts, make sure that they reinforce what you are trying to say. For instance, you want to represent the statistics of the people or the businesses that make use of the indicators. In this case, you cannot just use any picture. The best way to symbolize this is to utilize a chart or a graph. In addition, you should use. For the sake of clearness though, you can just go for a simple text containing the percentage of the companies that are known to be employing the KPI method.

The last ones that you should think about are the slides. You have many choices for the KPI PowerPoint design. However, as mentioned you should make everything simple yet effective. When creating the KPI presentation, you should consider your audience. Think about the content wherein they will really benefit from. This is how you can make a successful KPI presentation for your colleagues.

Bear in Mind 2 Things When Buying Presents for Mum!

Memorable ideas concerning presents for Mum boils down to what Mum needs, and what Mum wants. Mothers are one of the most influential people in anyone’s life, they struggled and endured to carry us to term, gritted their teeth while we took our time emerging from thy womb, and put up with all our shenanigans while raising us. They gave us the gift of life, so the least we could do is give a present which they can cherish for a good long while.

If you’re struggling to find suitable presents, read on to learn two basic paths you may take to effortlessly make Mum smile during her special day.

What Mum Wants!

Giving presents for Mum which she wants will appeal to her emotions. She may have mentioned in passing about a dress she had her eye on in a shopping mall, or a pair of finely crafted earrings which tickled her fancy. Purchasing something which she craves lets her know how much you pay attention to her. She will appreciate the fact that you didn’t simply snatch something out of the discount bin. You made careful note of what she wanted, then you took the time to go out, search for it, and buy that one specific object.

Your Mum deserves what she wants, for she always did her best to give you what you needed, wanted, or deserved. Splurging will probably be the order of the day, but when you see your mother smile upon opening her gift, it will have all been worth it.

What Mum Needs!

Gifting some presents for Mum which she needs will satisfy her ever-present sense of practicality. Mothers, by nature, sweep aside almost anything which does not meet their requirements for fulfilling life’s needs. They are ingrained with the mindset that basic needs must be met at all costs. You’ve witnessed it all your life, now you can continue the tradition by having her own something new, knowing it will be used on a nearly daily basis. A rechargeable sonic toothbrush comes to mind, to ease the stress of dental visits.

To ensure you give something she requires, maybe you could simply ask Mum what is it which she is in need of. Does she need a new pair of prescription reading glasses? Will she be better off with a simple phone which has an easy to operate numerical keypad? How about a set of woolen shawls to ward off many a cold night?

If you plan carefully, you may be able to combine the best of both worlds, and acquire that seemingly unobtainable combination of both a want and a need. She could be thrilled with new, technologically advanced kitchen appliances (nothing like a home-cooked meal with Mom at the helm, right?), or a gift card to her favorite store (she wants something, and you’ve given her the means to obtain it).

Presents for Mum align either towards what she wants, or what she needs, perhaps a little bit of both should you be fortunate enough to combine the two. Though knowing the adoring nature of such beloved people, you present can be anything, as long as it’s given from the heart.