Dealing with a business from day to day is a rollercoaster ride. All of the personalities that one deals with across strategic partnerships, suppliers, vendors, and customers can be excruciatingly painful.
I had some success in a recent meeting with a potential partner. He simultaneously complimented and threatened me in the same sentence and I was forced to deal with it. What did I do?
1)No Emotions
A threat or compliment can generate emotions both good and bad. These emotions cause me to speak, act, and judge differently. The problem is that neither are good emotional states to make decisions from. So, be unemotional to make better decisions with a clearer mind.
2) Get to the core of it
The threats caused problems with our potential deal. They were essentially senseless roadblocks getting in the way of accomplishment. I pushed them aside and got to the core of the issue and how to solve it. Do NOT be distracted. That may very well be what the other person wants.
3) Size up the other person
Just as you would at the poker take, look at posture, body language, breathing patterns, etc. If the other person is upset, you should sense it coming and dissolve it immediately by addressing what you believe is upsetting them. Don’t be afraid to profile the person. Are they a knucklehead? A whack’em all? Make judgements about people and everything they do. It will help you get what you want out of the conversation, sales call, etc. And you will have more productive meetings!
