Maintaining Long-Term Professional Relationships
One of the most important aspects of negotiating with someone or a business that you have a long-term and on-going relationship with is maintaining that relationship post-negotiation. Consider the following negotiation:
You are the project manager for a manufacturing company. You have a long-term relationship with a supplier that provides your company with computer chips for your product. There have never been any previous issues, and you and the supplier have had a great relationship. However, with the last shipment, there were defects in 25% of the chips. You need to discuss this issue with the supplier and determine the best solution. Your main concern is not ruining the relationship, but the defects are costly for your organization.
Based on this scenario, brainstorm your answers for the following areas:
- Goals
- Trades
- Alternatives
- Relationship
- Expected outcome
- Consequences of winning or losing
- Power
- Possible solutions
After completing the eight areas, prepare a letter to the supplier's president. Consider the elements above in the letter. Your letter should contain the following:
- Current issue
- Your suggestion for solving this issue
- The outcome you would like to see
- Time frame
- Suggest your alternatives and solutions
Your answers to the eight elements can be written in a numbered list; however, your letter should be written in complete sentences and appropriate business letter format. The letter should be 1-2 pages in length and should be structured formally following the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements.