Figure out what you want from a negotiation and then roleplay the encounter, including possible counter-offers and other agendas. When you're in the negotiation session, stay focused and calm so that you can identify mutual goals and determine ways to achieve them. Work towards an agreement and make notes so that there can be no misunderstanding. This approach is going to be much better for you and your team than a screaming match in an exec's office followed by door slamming, shouting, and a possible escort from the building compliments of the Security Office.

Often the negative emotion involved in a dispute can be discharged if you show that you're willing to listen without agenda to the other party's issues and, hopefully, the courtesy will be returned. Outline your interpretation of the other person's viewpoint to be sure that you understand and reinforce the message that you are listening.

Whether you're working out an employment agreement, a game design, or a production schedule, there's also something that needs to be negotiated. Enter each negotiation with a positive attitude and do everything you can to keep the atmosphere from becoming adversarial. This can be a real challenge when a game developer and a publisher can't agree on things up to and including whether the product is beta or pre-alpha.

Top 25 Ways To Influence Others

Here is a list of a lot of excellent tips that will help you influence others. You don't have to implement all of them but you should consult the list regularly and often, especially if you find yourself running into roadblocks. Here are our best 25 recommendations, in no particular order:

  • Recognize that influence comes from developing good relationships and sharing ideas.
  • Be flexible in your approach and consider the concerns of others.
  • Remember that people respond well to honesty and courtesy.
  • Always keep your cool, no matter the provocation; your poise will work in your favor.
  • Be confident and relaxed; never let 'em see you sweat!
  • Take a deep breath before you react to a criticism.
  • Be an optimist and look for solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
  • Observe what good leaders do and aim to follow their lead.
  • Understand that setbacks will happen and don't let it get you down.
  • Try to be aware of other people's preconceptions; listen carefully to voice tones and notice if someone starts to get upset.
  • Be aware of body language, both yours and others.
  • If you want to bring contentious issues into the open, do it gently and without rancor.
  • Look for signs of doubt, such as lack of eye contact.
  • If you cannot achieve big goals, try smaller ones.
  • Be fair when you assess others' ideas; give them the same respect and courtesy that you want them to give you.
  • Show enthusiasm when you talk about your ideas or when you work with your team; energy is contagious.
  • Imagine how you would react to your own proposals and give other people the same respect you want from them.
  • If someone objects to your proposal, ask for their ideas on how it could be improved.
  • Gain respect by addressing issues and working towards mutual concessions rather than winning arguments by brute force or talking over the opposition.
  • Handle deadlocks by being firm but still flexible and gentle.
  • Stay focused on your goals when you are faced with conflict.
  • Find the cause of a problem and, if it was your fault, do something about fixing it rather than acting defensively.
  • Examine the causes of a misunderstanding thoroughly and do your homework.
  • Be ready to adapt your manner to match your audience's response.
  • Learn from the way you dealt with past conflicts.

And if you want more information about how to become a stellar games industry manager, take a break, grab yourself a cup of coffee, and go here. I think you'll find it interesting reading.

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Marc Mencher is CEO of GameRecruiter.com and a game industry career specialist who has helped thousands of jobseekers land positions with the leading games companies.