What are the best tools and platforms for virtual multiparty negotiations?

1 Define your objectives and criteria

Before you start a virtual multiparty negotiation, you need to define your objectives and criteria. What are you trying to achieve? What are the minimum and maximum outcomes you are willing to accept? What are the trade-offs and alternatives you are prepared to offer or consider? Having a clear and realistic sense of your objectives and criteria will help you plan your strategy, prioritize your issues, and evaluate your options.

2 Choose your platform and tools

When selecting a platform and tools for virtual multiparty negotiations, you should consider several factors, such as the number and diversity of parties, the complexity and sensitivity of the issues, the level of trust and rapport among the parties, the availability and accessibility of the technology, and the security and privacy of the data and communication. There are many platforms and tools available for virtual multiparty negotiations, such as video conferencing, chat, email, document sharing, polling, and voting. You can choose one or a combination of them depending on your needs and preferences. It is also important to test your platform and tools before the negotiation to ensure everyone is familiar and comfortable with them.

3 Establish the ground rules and agenda

To ensure a productive virtual multiparty negotiation, it is essential to establish the ground rules and agenda beforehand. This includes the roles and responsibilities of each party, the schedule and duration of the negotiation, the communication etiquette and protocol, the decision-making process and criteria, and the conflict resolution and contingency plan. Additionally, the agenda should include the order and priority of the issues, the time and resources allocated for each issue, the information and evidence required for each issue, as well as the options and proposals for each issue. It is important to involve all parties in developing these ground rules and agenda and to get their agreement and commitment.

4 Build rapport and trust

One of the biggest challenges of virtual multiparty negotiations is building rapport and trust among the parties. Rapport is the feeling of connection and mutual understanding that facilitates cooperation and collaboration, while trust is the belief that the parties are honest, reliable, and competent. To create a more personal and engaging interaction in a virtual setting, you can use video conferencing, introduce yourself and the other parties, and share some background and common interests. Additionally, using positive and respectful language, tone, and body language will help build rapport and trust. Listening actively and empathetically while acknowledging the perspectives and emotions of the other parties is also important. Finally, providing clear and consistent information, feedback, and follow-up will further foster rapport and trust.

5 Negotiate effectively and creatively

To effectively and creatively negotiate in a virtual multiparty setting, you should frame the issues to highlight the benefits and value for all parties. Asking open-ended and probing questions to understand the interests and needs of the other parties is also important. Generating multiple and flexible options that address the issues and satisfy the interests of the parties is key, as well as using objective criteria and evidence to support your arguments and proposals. Additionally, making conditional and reciprocal concessions that create value and enhance trust, as well as seeking integrative solutions that maximize joint outcomes and minimize losses for the parties, are essential for successful negotiation.

6 Follow up and evaluate

After the virtual multiparty negotiation, you need to follow up and evaluate the process and the outcome. The follow up should involve sending a summary and a copy of the agreement to all parties, assigning tasks and responsibilities, setting deadlines and milestones, monitoring and reporting progress, and resolving any issues or disputes that arise. The evaluation should measure the results and satisfaction of the agreement, identify strengths and weaknesses of the negotiation, recognize contributions and feedback of each party, celebrate achievements, learn from challenges, and build relationships for future negotiations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?