At Seventeen Camels we believe everyday negotiations have the power to change your life. While everyday negotiations are important, we cannot always predict when they will arise, so we must be ready. For example, with the American workplace is in flux, we are having new conversations around when and where we work. What formerly took place in the office and required a commute, may no longer, and opportunities to create schedules to suit personal and professional needs abound. But to negotiate this shift well, and get what you want, requires you to know what you want; your goals must be clear to you and you must be able to articulate these clearly to others. And simply setting goals is not enough – research has shown that goals must include if-then plans specifying when, where and how you expect to achieve your goals.

The fact is, you can't ask for something you are not capable of clearly articulating or comfortable wanting, and those around you cannot offer you opportunity if they don’t know what you want. We often find our clients have not considered their goals in a long time, and a little “goal resuscitation” is in order.

This month, be ready for that everyday negotiation when it comes your way. Try to resuscitate your goals and help those around you see your potential using our ICU Method. You will find as you identify and bring clarity to your goals, you will become more capable of articulating your desired outcomes and more effective at getting what you want.

Identify what you want, or want to change, from your current situation. Prompts such as “Ideally, I would like….” and “I am ready to….” can help you brainstorm future outcomes you want from your professional and personal life.
Clarify exactly what you want in clear and concise language. Take the time to write this down and review it over a few days. Also make a point of specifying your if-then plan and consider when, where and how you will to achieve what you want. Giving yourself time to think and consider these details will help prepare you to notice opportunities that can advance your goals.
Understand how to express your future desires and goals to those around you. Consider how conversations may lead to opportunities and practice articulating your goals out loud to trusted friends and colleagues as preparation. Gain confidence by using statements such as, “I have always wanted to….” or “I plan someday to….” or “I am considering how to become more experienced in….” to help you ask for what you want when the opportunity arises.

Every negotiation begins when you start thinking about who you are, what you want out of your life and how you plan to achieve your goals. It is important to feel comfortable and confident with your desires. By articulating what you want and why clearly, and hearing it said out loud, you begin to see how your goals fit with the goals of those around you.