Last updated on Sep 6, 2024

Here's how you can effectively follow up after a negotiation with your boss.

Negotiating with your boss can be a high-stakes conversation, and how you follow up can make all the difference in achieving your desired outcome. Whether you're discussing a raise, flexible work arrangements, or project opportunities, the way you handle the post-negotiation process is crucial. It's not just about what you ask for, but also about how you maintain the dialogue and continue to present your case effectively. This article will guide you through the steps to effectively follow up after a negotiation, ensuring that you stay on track and maximize your chances of success.

1 Reflect First

Before reaching out to your boss, take some time to reflect on the negotiation. Consider what went well and what could have been better. Think about the feedback you received and how it aligns with your goals. This reflection will help you approach the follow-up with a clear understanding of your position and what you need to address or reinforce. Remember, self-awareness is a key component of negotiation prowess, and taking the time to introspect can provide valuable insights for your next move.

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Gabriel Tan, Assoc CIPD

Human Capital Leadership | PMP®| DACE | ACTA | CEI-KAH | GCP | Catholic | Son | Father | Husband
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Begin by sending a thank-you email promptly, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your concerns or proposals. Summarize key points from the negotiation to ensure mutual understanding, including any decisions made or pending issues. If applicable, outline the agreed-upon steps and timelines, showing your commitment to moving forward. Offer additional information or clarification if needed, demonstrating your proactive approach. Schedule a follow-up meeting or set a date to revisit the discussion if further dialogue is necessary. By maintaining open communication and focusing on agreed objectives, you reinforce a positive relationship and help ensure successful implementation or resolution.

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Shreyansh S.

Associate Partner at Shree Legal Associate || Head Editor & Founder at LAWLOVELEGAL || Experienced in Commission Sales || Passionate Blogger || LLB & LLM in Constitutional & Administrative Law ||
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1. Summarize Key Points: Send a concise summary of agreed-upon terms and action items to confirm mutual understanding. 2. Set Clear Deadlines: Outline next steps and deadlines to ensure accountability and track progress. 3. Express Appreciation: Thank your boss for their time and consideration, reinforcing a positive relationship. 4. Request Feedback: Ask for input on how the negotiation went and areas for improvement. 5. Provide Updates: Keep your boss informed of progress and any developments related to the negotiation.

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Ravi Kumar NB

Director | Procurement Professional | Strategic sourcing | Business Operations | Scaling Supply Chain operations | Supplier relationship management| Operations excellence
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post your first discussion, sending the minutes is very important and make it a point to have a follow-up meeting option open with a timelines. so that you can go back with the action plan and the progress to your boss with the update.

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2 Plan Ahead

After reflection, plan your follow-up strategy. Decide on the best time to approach your boss, considering their schedule and workload. Draft an outline of the points you want to discuss, prioritizing the most critical issues. Your plan should be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on how the conversation unfolds. A structured approach demonstrates professionalism and shows that you value your boss's time, which can positively influence the ongoing negotiations.

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3 Craft Email

If you're initiating the follow-up via email, craft your message carefully. Start with a thank you for the initial negotiation meeting, then concisely summarize the key points discussed. Use this opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings and reiterate your main arguments. Your tone should be respectful and collaborative, aiming to continue the dialogue rather than confrontational. An effective email serves as a written record of your follow-up and can help keep the negotiation process transparent and focused.

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4 Schedule Meeting

In some cases, a face-to-face meeting may be more effective for follow-up. If this is your preferred method, request a meeting with your boss in a respectful and non-demanding way. Provide a brief agenda to give your boss an idea of what you wish to discuss. This allows them to prepare and ensures that the meeting is productive. A personal meeting can convey sincerity and can be a powerful tool for discussing complex issues or nuances that are difficult to communicate via email.

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Chris Fenton

Business Leader / Storyteller / Media Executive / U.S.-China Expert
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Schedule a meeting with him/her to simply say, "I pushed you on the terms of my contract, and I appreciate you agreeing to what I needed. Now that we are on the same side again, I will use those same negotiating skills on behalf of this innovative company... in order to make it even greater and more profitable each and every day. This is my home, and I'm so glad to be here. Thank you!"

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5 Stay Positive

Throughout the follow-up process, it's vital to maintain a positive attitude. Your optimism can be infectious and may encourage your boss to view the negotiation more favorably. Focus on the mutual benefits of your proposal, and be open to compromise. Showing that you are solution-oriented and willing to work together to find common ground can strengthen your relationship with your boss and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

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6 Follow Through

Lastly, ensure that you follow through on any commitments made during the follow-up. If you've agreed to provide additional information or take certain actions, do so promptly. Demonstrating reliability and accountability can build trust with your boss. This not only helps in the current negotiation but also sets a positive precedent for future interactions. Your follow-through is a testament to your professionalism and can significantly impact your credibility in the workplace.

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Here's how you can effectively follow up after a negotiation with your boss.

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2

3

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1 Reflect First

2 Plan Ahead

3 Craft Email

4 Schedule Meeting

5 Stay Positive

6 Follow Through

Negotiation

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Here's how you can effectively follow up after a negotiation with your boss.

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Reflect First

2 Plan Ahead

3 Craft Email

4 Schedule Meeting

5 Stay Positive

6 Follow Through

Negotiation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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