Negotiation skills

As a researcher, you need to be able to (dare to) negotiate with different stakeholders in different circumstances, giving direction to different kinds of behaviour from people with different personalities. This workshop focuses on the interdependence of all parties involved and on how to increase the chance on getting to a real win-win situation by building up a negotiation in different phases.

The workshop is ran by Wendy Van den Bulck (True Colours) and zooms in on the following topics:

• 'Solutions focus' as basic communication paradigm (with explicit focus on negotiating),
• identifying interaction patterns and how you contribute to these patterns (with explicit focus on negotiating),
• changing undesired interaction patterns,
• active listening,
• assertiveness,
• identifying negotiation partners and how to strengthen cooperation with them,
• heading for a win-win: structure of a negotiation (phases),
• preparing a negotiation,
• going through the different phases of a negotiation,
• dealing with manipulation.

There will be use of interactive teaching, experiential exercises, self-reflection and exchanging and learning from each other (plenary and in subgroups). The different phases of the negotiation process are built up, explored and practised by means of a recognizable case worked on by the whole group. In addition, there is practising in simulations based on participants’ cases (which will be asked for in an intake questionnaire) to ensure maximal transfer to the own work context. When organized online, an interactive learning environment will be ensured with a big focus on bringing tools and insights into practice.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this training, you will be able to...

• see the difference between conflict styles and their impact on the negotiation,
• identify your negotiation partners and hence to strengthen your cooperation with your negotiation partners by focusing on what is needed,
• prepare a negotiation thoroughly and in a structured way,
• take the initiative to go through the negotiation in a structured way and to lead your negotiation partner through the different phases of a negotiation,
• choose deliberately how to act and respond to others, rather than reacting impulsively,
• deal with difficulties (manipulation, emotions, unclarity,…) in a solution focused way.

Competences

An important part of preparing for any further professional step is becoming (more) aware of the competences you have developed and/or want to develop. In the current workshop, the following competences from the UHasselt competency overview are actively dealt with:

• interpersonal competences:
  • assertiveness
  • negotiation
  • oral communication
  • persuasion
  • stakeholder awareness
• personal effectiveness:
  • flexibility
  • self-confidence

For whom?

• PhD students and postdocs
• min 6, max 12 places available

When and where?

• June 18 & 20, 2025 - 9:00-17:00
• Location: Campus Hasselt, building Old Prison, room D1.1 (Yellow room)

Preparation?

Two weeks before the training day, you will receive an intake questionnaire by e-mail (don’t forget to check your spam box!). This allows you to indicate your specific learning needs and submit two cases you’d like to explore further during the training. Based on your responses, the trainer will gain insight into your needs and tailor the programme as much as possible to match them.

Registration?

• Register here from February 27 until May 21, 2025.
• Please register only if you can attend both days.
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email after the registration deadline has passed.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cf. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: category 'career management & personal development' - workshop on personal development, OR category 'research management & communication skills' - workshop on communication skills (if you prefer the latter, please send an email to doctoralschools@uhasselt.be)
• DS HLS: category transferable skills - compulsory elective course
• DS ST: category 'career & personal development' - workshop on personal development, OR category 'scientific & generic communication' - workshop on generic communication (if you prefer the latter, please send an email to doctoralschools@uhasselt.be)