Negotiation as a Tool in Your “Life Kit”
And why I was so excited to be a guest on the show
We’ve reached the 6-month mark since the publishing of my guest episode on NPR’s Life Kit and I am still giddy with excitement that I had this opportunity. I’ve had the privilege of being invited to other podcasts (such as the NegotiateX podcast and Your Latina Career Coach) but being a guest on Life Kit was a special treat for me. It’s one of my favorite NPR shows and here’s why:
Image courtesy of NPR
Life Kit, as its name suggests, offers “tools to help you get it together”
Image courtesy of NPR
In the bustling landscape of podcasts, NPR's Life Kit stands out as a beacon of guidance and wisdom, offering listeners practical advice to navigate life's myriad of challenges.
With its diverse array of topics ranging from personal finance to mental health and relationships, Life Kit serves as a trusted companion on the journey of self-improvement and growth. I’ve often found myself listening to Life Kit and thinking, “huh, I didn’t even realize I needed advice on that!”
We’re all just making our way through life’s twists and turns, learning and growing as we go. Each experience adds something to who we are. This journey of self-discovery and learning is what really got me excited about the idea of being on NPR's Life Kit.
The show has helped me in several facets of my own life and I wanted to share what I know to help others. The show's commitment to empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives resonated deeply with me.
Life Kit is reliable
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Life Kit's focus on evidence-based practices and expert advice ensures that the information shared is not only practical but also reliable. In a world inundated with misinformation and quick-fix solutions, having a trusted source like Life Kit is invaluable.
After recording our episode, the producers reached out to me to collect references and citations for the research that I referred to on the episode. After all, this is NPR, a respected name in journalism.
I knew that as a guest, I could help keep things real and credible, offering insights based on my own experiences, stories from coaching, my work at Harvard, and good research.
Life Kit is inclusive
In addition to covering a broad range of subjects, Life Kit prioritizes representing different voices and perspectives. They often feature guests with various cultural backgrounds, life experiences, and expertise, creating a well-rounded and multifaceted view on each topic.
I remember in my first meeting with producer Meghan Keane, we brainstormed the types of examples to use to teach each point and how we both wanted to address issues from multiple angles, creating content that speaks to a wide spectrum of needs and identities.
This dedication to inclusivity not only enriches the content but also makes complex topics feel relatable, helping listeners feel seen, heard, and understood - a trait that is incredibly important to me.
Why sharing negotiation techniques on Life Kit was so important to me
Too often, when I say that I’m a negotiation coach, people’s minds jump directly to job offers and contract negotiations.
The episode begins by debunking common myths surrounding negotiation, emphasizing that it's not just about haggling over prices but rather a fundamental aspect of communication and problem-solving. From negotiating a salary raise to navigating conflicts in personal relationships, the principles of negotiation are ubiquitous in our lives.
By sharing tips on Life Kit, I show that these skills are something anyone can develop as part of daily life. Whether it's navigating roommate relationships, domestic partners, etc. - the advice I give is practical and relatable (hence the name of my blog, the Everyday Negotiator).
Key takeaways from the episode
In the episode, called Negotiation Strategies for Everyday Life, I highlight four techniques:
Benchmarking - gather the information you need to make a fair and informed decision
A win-win approach - finding mutually beneficial solutions
Offering a menu of options - suggesting multiple choices to signal collaborative problem-solving, as well as understanding the other person’s underlying interests. It also avoids simple yes-or-no requests.
Understanding and strengthening your BATNA - Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement - a backup plan
There are so many more techniques I wanted to share but there’s only so much you can fit into a 20-minute episode! (Which is why I have my own podcast you can listen to for continued negotiation advice.)
These strategies can help you make confident decisions, solve problems collaboratively, and increase satisfaction in everyday interactions.
Being able to distill this knowledge into actionable advice, to offer a helping hand to those seeking guidance, is both a privilege and a responsibility I hold dear.
It was a chance to contribute to a show dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with confidence and compassion. And for that, I am profoundly grateful.
Check out the episode Negotiation Strategies for Everyday Life on NPR.
About the Author:
Joan is a negotiation coach and trainer. She served as a research fellow at the Women and Public Policy Program and started multiple negotiation coaching programs at Harvard.
