What's your negotiation style?

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Discover which of the five negotiating styles suits your personality 🙌 And get ready for stress-free meetings...

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  What kind of impression do you want to make on the other party?

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  • A.
    A friend – They need to know we're in this together! I'm not trying to screw them over – I just want to find an outcome that works for us both.

    (Correlates to: )
  • B.
    A collaborator – During our negotiation, we'll work hand in hand to come up with an innovative solution. This is an opportunity to create something new!

    (Correlates to: )
  • C.
    A threat – I don't want them thinking they can get the best of me. When I make an offer, that's the end of the story. I NEVER take less than what I'm worth.

    (Correlates to: )
  • D.
    No impression – Honestly, I don't want to negotiate. My best case scenario is carrying out the whole interaction through email... or postponing it indefinitely.

    (Correlates to: )
• 2.
  You're negotiating a contract with a supplier. You agreed the meeting would be 1:1, but they recently informed you they're bringing three people... How many people do you bring?

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  • A.
    I respectfully remind them that we agreed the meeting would be 1:1. I can't work with companies that don't keep their words.

    (Correlates to: )
  • B.
    I don't call them out, but I show up with three of my best negotiators in tow. 

    (Correlates to: )
  • C.
    I pull together a team of my top-performing employees and bring every one of 'em to the negotiation. Time for this supplier to get a taste of their own medicine.

    (Correlates to: )
  • D.
    Their tactics don't intimidate me – I stay true to our initial agreement and show up by myself. If they think that makes me easier to push around, they're in for a surprise!

    (Correlates to: )
  • E.
    I respond by requesting that we make a joint team beforehand. This negotiation ISN'T a confrontation...

    (Correlates to: )
• 3.
  You believe the best outcome is one that works equally well for either party...

  • A.
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    True

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Compromising, Your style is... Avoiding, Your style is... Accommodating )
  • B.
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    False

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Competitive, Your style is... Collaborative)
• 4.
  A prospective employer offers you a 15% raise but next to no vacation time, what do you do?

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  • A.
    I tell them their offer is unacceptable. I want the raise WITH vacation time, and if they can't give that to me, I'm willing to walk.

    (Correlates to: )
  • B.
    I make a counteroffer 👉 10% raise but more vacation time... Who says you can't have it all?

    (Correlates to: )
  • C.
    I ask them about the reasoning behind their offer. If I understand their rational, maybe we can come up with a more balanced raise with vacation time.

    (Correlates to: )
  • D.
    I accept their offer without negotiating for more time off. I don't want to risk losing the raise, and negotiating gives me headaches.

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Avoiding, Your style is... Accommodating )
• 5.
  You're in the middle of an important negotiation when the other party suddenly says they have another appointment and need to cut to the chase... What do you do?

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  • A.
    I tell them to cancel their other appointment... If this negotiation is important to them, it shouldn't be a problem.

    (Correlates to: )
  • B.
    I ask them if they're willing to push back their appointment by a half hour, so we can wrap this up without rushing.

    (Correlates to: )
  • C.
    I recommend that we adjourn the meeting and reconvene in a week or two. This'll give us time to think our deal through before finalizing anything.

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Compromising, Your style is... Avoiding)
  • D.
    I let them cut to the chase. They're a busy company, and I don't want to take up more of their time than necessary. After all, it's their decision...

    (Correlates to: )
• 6.
  You are negotiating with a company for their services. You have 10-15K, but their quote for this contract is 17K. What bid do you make?

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  • A.
    15K – It's the absolute highest I can go. I'm willing to pay more if it means NOT negotiating.

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Competitive, Your style is... Accommodating )
  • B.
    12-15K – I aim for mid-budget. If they reject my offer, I can always go a bit higher.

    (Correlates to: )
  • C.
    10-12K – Let's start from the bottom! Maybe they'll come back with a low counteroffer. 

    (Correlates to: )
  • D.
    Under 10K – I'm looking to save serious $ on this contract... Maybe they're just aiming too high.

    (Correlates to: )
  • E.
    I don't make a bid but ask if there's anything we can do to bring the price down. Maybe trading services?

    (Correlates to: )
• 7.
  How do you usually feel after negotiating?

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  • A.
    Excited – The other party and I have come up with a creative solution to our problem...

    (Correlates to: )
  • B.
    Anxious – Ugh, I don't know if I asked for enough. I really hope they didn't take advantage of me...

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Avoiding, Your style is... Accommodating )
  • C.
    Fired up – Woot woot! I just got everything I wanted. Another win for yours truly ✨🥳 

    (Correlates to: )
  • D.
    Content – The other party and I came to a reasonable agreement. 

    (Correlates to: )
• 8.
  You're on the market for a used car with a 4K budget. There's one in ideal condition, but it's $5,200. Another dealer is selling a similar model for $3,500, but it's three years older. What do you do?

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  • A.
    I tell the ideal car's dealer about the other model's pricing, and ask if they can match it – it's worth a shot.

    (Correlates to: )
  • B.
    I don't bring up the other model while talking with the ideal car's dealer... It's just not relevant.

    (Correlates to: )
  • C.
    I tell the ideal car's dealer about the other model, but I mention that it's a few years older...

    (Correlates to: )
  • D.
    I offer 4K for the ideal car, and say that's as high as I can possibly go.

    (Correlates to: )
  • E.
    I ask the ideal car's dealer them if I can offer them a testimonial in exchange for a discounted rate.

    (Correlates to: )
• 9.
  You're willing to give a little more if it means less negotiating...

  • A.
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    True

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Compromising, Your style is... Avoiding, Your style is... Accommodating )
  • B.
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    False

    (Correlates to: Your style is... Competitive, Your style is... Collaborative)

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Your style is... Competitive

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  Friend, when it comes to negotiating, you've got no time for pleasantries. You skip the small talk and cut right to the chase. This means you get results QUICK. On top of that, once you decide on your ideal outcome, you're unwavering.Quick tip: your aggressive drive and determination might be a teensy bit off-putting at times, so don't be afraid to soften your approach. Competitive is a common negotiation style, so it's relatively easy to counteract.“Everything is negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.” – Carrie FisherThree Quick ‘n Easy Tips for Painless Negotiations👇1) Manage Your MindsetFriend, if you’re new to negotiation, be careful not to approach it as if it's an argument. Negotiation is simply a discussion between individuals seeking a mutually beneficial outcome – it doesn't have to get heated. Plus treating it like a conflict might cause you to behave unnecessarily aggressive or tense.Instead, demonstrate your warmth and patience to whoever you’re negotiating with. Listen carefully to their needs, and if they don’t align with yours, be prepared to respectfully decline.2) Prepare, Prepare, Prepare👆Somethings are so important you have to say them three times… Do not show up to a negotiation without doing your homework. Find out the other party’s needs, pressures, and options. This’ll help you make well-informed decisions.On top of that, reflect on your own goals for the negotiation. Try asking yourself questions like ‘What’s my ideal outcome?’ and ‘Where am I willing to compromise?’ When the time comes, you’ll be likelier to stay true to your goals having thought about them in advance.3) Don’t Take it PersonallyTry to view negotiations as business transactions. This’ll help ease some of your insecurities about what the other person may be thinking. Remember, their opinions are none of your business. What’s most important is coming to a mutually beneficial outcome.Don’t let what you’ve learned about the other party cloud your critical thinking abilities. Just because they might represent a large company, doesn’t mean you should feel intimidated.Wait a Sec – Let Me Introduce MyselfHey there, I’m Anna Nelson 👋 I’m a career coach who specializes in training freelancers to negotiate for higher pay.More than anything, I want you to realize your worth and ask for it on a consistent basis. If you’re ready to start treating your time and energy like the precious resources they are, my services are for you 🙌✨Extra Resources to Smooth Over Your Negotiation? Read On...1) Check out this blog post where I show you my office-friendly outfit go-tos. Hint: it’s so much more than boring button-downs and pleated slacks.2) Listen to me speak on this podcast episode. I fill host Natalie Ramon in on my personal experience working as a freelance creative.3) Book a free consultation with me. If you think we’d be a good match, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s give this thing a go!P.S. Expect to See Me in Your Inbox with Insights on Your Negotiation Style!
• 2.
  Your style is... Collaborative

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  Friend, you turn negotiation into a creative art. You come up with innovative solutions to the problems no one else can crack. You're sensitive to the other party's interests and involve them in your process whenever possible.Quick tip: if you're coming up with a solution in cahoots with another party, be careful not to give too much away. It's easy to get a little too comfortable and hand over confidential information.“Everything is negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.” – Carrie FisherThree Quick ‘n Easy Tips for Painless Negotiations👇1) Manage Your MindsetFriend, if you’re new to negotiation, be careful not to approach it as if it's an argument. Negotiation is simply a discussion between individuals seeking a mutually beneficial outcome – it doesn't have to get heated. Plus treating it like a conflict might cause you to behave unnecessarily aggressive or tense.Instead, demonstrate your warmth and patience to whoever you’re negotiating with. Listen carefully to their needs, and if they don’t align with yours, be prepared to respectfully decline.2) Prepare, Prepare, Prepare👆Somethings are so important you have to say them three times… Do not show up to a negotiation without doing your homework. Find out the other party’s needs, pressures, and options. This’ll help you make well-informed decisions.On top of that, reflect on your own goals for the negotiation. Try asking yourself questions like ‘What’s my ideal outcome?’ and ‘Where am I willing to compromise?’ When the time comes, you’ll be likelier to stay true to your goals having thought about them in advance.3) Don’t Take it PersonallyTry to view negotiations as business transactions. This’ll help ease some of your insecurities about what the other person may be thinking. Remember, their opinions are none of your business. What’s most important is coming to a mutually beneficial outcome.Don’t let what you’ve learned about the other party cloud your critical thinking abilities. Just because they might represent a large company, doesn’t mean you should feel intimidated.Wait a Sec – Let Me Introduce MyselfHey there, I’m Anna Nelson 👋 I’m a career coach who specializes in training freelancers to negotiate for higher pay.More than anything, I want you to realize your worth and ask for it on a consistent basis. If you’re ready to start treating your time and energy like the precious resources they are, my services are for you 🙌✨Extra Resources to Smooth Over Your Negotiation? Read On...1) Check out this blog post where I show you my office-friendly outfit go-tos. Hint: it’s so much more than boring button-downs and pleated slacks.2) Listen to me speak on this podcast episode. I fill host Natalie Ramon in on my personal experience working as a freelance creative.3) Book a free consultation with me. If you think we’d be a good match, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s give this thing a go!P.S. Expect to See Me in Your Inbox with Insights on Your Negotiation Style!
• 3.
  Your style is... Compromising

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  Friend, you're dead-set on finding the middle ground. You enter into negotiations determined to find a solution that benefits both parties equally. You understand that a good outcome is one that ends in camaraderie – not competition.Quick tip: even if you don't feel 100% comfortable negotiating, try to take your time instead of settling as soon as you and the other party reach an agreement. There might be a more creative option!“Everything is negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.” – Carrie FisherThree Quick ‘n Easy Tips for Painless Negotiations👇1) Manage Your MindsetFriend, if you’re new to negotiation, be careful not to approach it as if it's an argument. Negotiation is simply a discussion between individuals seeking a mutually beneficial outcome – it doesn't have to get heated. Plus treating it like a conflict might cause you to behave unnecessarily aggressive or tense.Instead, demonstrate your warmth and patience to whoever you’re negotiating with. Listen carefully to their needs, and if they don’t align with yours, be prepared to respectfully decline.2) Prepare, Prepare, Prepare👆Somethings are so important you have to say them three times… Do not show up to a negotiation without doing your homework. Find out the other party’s needs, pressures, and options. This’ll help you make well-informed decisions.On top of that, reflect on your own goals for the negotiation. Try asking yourself questions like ‘What’s my ideal outcome?’ and ‘Where am I willing to compromise?’ When the time comes, you’ll be likelier to stay true to your goals having thought about them in advance.3) Don’t Take it PersonallyTry to view negotiations as business transactions. This’ll help ease some of your insecurities about what the other person may be thinking. Remember, their opinions are none of your business. What’s most important is coming to a mutually beneficial outcome.Don’t let what you’ve learned about the other party cloud your critical thinking abilities. Just because they might represent a large company, doesn’t mean you should feel intimidated.Wait a Sec – Let Me Introduce MyselfHey there, I’m Anna Nelson 👋 I’m a career coach who specializes in training freelancers to negotiate for higher pay.More than anything, I want you to realize your worth and ask for it on a consistent basis. If you’re ready to start treating your time and energy like the precious resources they are, my services are for you 🙌✨Extra Resources to Smooth Over Your Negotiation? Read On...1) Check out this blog post where I show you my office-friendly outfit go-tos. Hint: it’s so much more than boring button-downs and pleated slacks.2) Listen to me speak on this podcast episode. I fill host Natalie Ramon in on my personal experience working as a freelance creative.3) Book a free consultation with me. If you think we’d be a good match, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s give this thing a go! P.S. Expect to See Me in Your Inbox with Insights on Your Negotiation Style!
• 4.
  Your style is... Avoiding

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  Friend, you're not a fan of negotiating. Your version of solving the problem is avoiding it for as long as possible. While this can sometimes be advantageous, if you're not careful, it could lead to conflicts down the road.Quick tip: to overcome your fear of negotiating, do some research! Find out which of the other styles resonate the most with you then read up on their unique techniques. With a bit of practice, you're sure to get there, too!“Everything is negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.” – Carrie FisherThree Quick ‘n Easy Tips for Painless Negotiations👇1) Manage Your MindsetFriend, if you’re new to negotiation, be careful not to approach it as if it's an argument. Negotiation is simply a discussion between individuals seeking a mutually beneficial outcome – it doesn't have to get heated. Plus treating it like a conflict might cause you to behave unnecessarily aggressive or tense. Instead, demonstrate your warmth and patience to whoever you’re negotiating with. Listen carefully to their needs, and if they don’t align with yours, be prepared to respectfully decline.2) Prepare, Prepare, Prepare👆Somethings are so important you have to say them three times… Do not show up to a negotiation without doing your homework. Find out the other party’s needs, pressures, and options. This’ll help you make well-informed decisions.On top of that, reflect on your own goals for the negotiation. Try asking yourself questions like ‘What’s my ideal outcome?’ and ‘Where am I willing to compromise?’ When the time comes, you’ll be likelier to stay true to your goals having thought about them in advance.3) Don’t Take it PersonallyTry to view negotiations as business transactions. This’ll help ease some of your insecurities about what the other person may be thinking. Remember, their opinions are none of your business. What’s most important is coming to a mutually beneficial outcome.Don’t let what you’ve learned about the other party cloud your critical thinking abilities. Just because they might represent a large company, doesn’t mean you should feel intimidated.Wait a Sec – Let Me Introduce MyselfHey there, I’m Anna Nelson 👋 I’m a career coach who specializes in training freelancers to negotiate for higher pay.More than anything, I want you to realize your worth and ask for it on a consistent basis. If you’re ready to start treating your time and energy like the precious resources they are, my services are for you 🙌✨Extra Resources to Smooth Over Your Negotiation? Read On...1) Check out this blog post where I show you my office-friendly outfit go-tos. Hint: it’s so much more than boring button-downs and pleated slacks.2) Listen to me speak on this podcast episode. I fill host Natalie Ramon in on my personal experience working as a freelance creative.3) Book a free consultation with me. If you think we’d be a good match, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s give this thing a go! P.S. Expect to See Me in Your Inbox with Insights on Your Negotiation Style!
• 5.
  Your style is... Accommodating 

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  Friend, you're always looking for ways to help the other party. You make sure their needs are taken care of – sometimes even more so than your own. You expect they'll reciprocate your generosity, but they've got other ideas...Quick tip: you could afford to be a little less generous. Even when you feel stingy, odds are you're giving more than most would.“Everything is negotiable. Whether or not the negotiation is easy is another thing.” – Carrie FisherThree Quick ‘n Easy Tips for Painless Negotiations👇1) Manage Your MindsetFriend, if you’re new to negotiation, be careful not to approach it as if it's an argument. Negotiation is simply a discussion between individuals seeking a mutually beneficial outcome – it doesn't have to get heated. Plus treating it like a conflict might cause you to behave unnecessarily aggressive or tense.Instead, demonstrate your warmth and patience to whoever you’re negotiating with. Listen carefully to their needs, and if they don’t align with yours, be prepared to respectfully decline.2) Prepare, Prepare, Prepare👆Somethings are so important you have to say them three times… Do not show up to a negotiation without doing your homework. Find out the other party’s needs, pressures, and options. This’ll help you make well-informed decisions.On top of that, reflect on your own goals for the negotiation. Try asking yourself questions like ‘What’s my ideal outcome?’ and ‘Where am I willing to compromise?’ When the time comes, you’ll be likelier to stay true to your goals having thought about them in advance.3) Don’t Take it PersonallyTry to view negotiations as business transactions. This’ll help ease some of your insecurities about what the other person may be thinking. Remember, their opinions are none of your business. What’s most important is coming to a mutually beneficial outcome.Don’t let what you’ve learned about the other party cloud your critical thinking abilities. Just because they might represent a large company, doesn’t mean you should feel intimidated.Wait a Sec – Let Me Introduce MyselfHey there, I’m Anna Nelson 👋 I’m a career coach who specializes in training freelancers to negotiate for higher pay.More than anything, I want you to realize your worth and ask for it on a consistent basis. If you’re ready to start treating your time and energy like the precious resources they are, my services are for you 🙌✨Extra Resources to Smooth Over Your Negotiation? Read On...1) Check out this blog post where I show you my office-friendly outfit go-tos. Hint: it’s so much more than boring button-downs and pleated slacks.2) Listen to me speak on this podcast episode. I fill host Natalie Ramon in on my personal experience working as a freelance creative.3) Book a free consultation with me. If you think we’d be a good match, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s give this thing a go!P.S. Expect to See Me in Your Inbox with Insights on Your Negotiation Style!