Attending a negotiation training course that involves recorded role plays with your colleagues? That can feel downright terrifying! 

Our fears often shine a spotlight on the areas where we have the most room to learn and grow, highlighting those skills we’re uncertain about and the situations that push us far outside our comfort zones.

Now, telling you to “get comfortable being uncomfortable” probably isn’t going to soothe your nerves, in fact, it might just make them worse! Instead, I want to share with you 4 surprising benefits from attending a negotiation workshop, that make facing those fears worthwhile. 

1. Increased Self-Awareness

Watching yourself on video after a role play is often the most daunting moment for participants and it's when I usually catch people glancing down at their desks rather than watching themselves on the big screen. Yet, this is also the most rewarding part of the entire workshop. It’s your chance to see yourself as others see you, offering insights far beyond your own view of the negotiation. This is where perception meets perspective, providing an invaluable opportunity to understand and refine how you interact with others

2. Enhanced Confidence

You are often far more capable than you give yourself credit for, and this becomes clear as you move through each exercise. It’s common to hear participants say, “It didn’t look as bad as I thought,” or, “I actually enjoyed the exercises once they started.” These realisations create a huge boost in confidence, which then translates into improved performance as the workshop progresses.

3. Radically Improved Communication Skills

While it’s no surprise that a negotiation workshop improves your communication skills, what often catches people off guard is just how far-reaching and impactful those improvements can be. The ability to communicate more effectively doesn’t just stay within the walls of the workshop, it permeates your everyday interactions, making you more articulate and persuasive in various aspects of life.

4. Networking and Relationship Building

Face-to-face time with team members is more valuable now than ever. Sharing a unique environment and challenging yourselves together strengthens connections and provides insights that you might never explore in a typical work setting. You’ll discover new facets about your colleagues, building a stronger sense of collaboration and alignment. Plus, you’ll leave with a shared mindset, skill set, and toolkit that can transform your team’s performance and results. 

Feeling anxious before a challenging activity is completely normal, especially when it involves stepping out of your comfort zone in front of others. But the scariest steps are often the most rewarding ones, and this experience could be a pivotal moment in your professional growth. In fact, chances are you’ll find yourself wishing you had done this workshop years ago, and you might even be inspired to grab a video camera to keep practicing on your own!