5 Reasons Why American’s Suck at Negotiating

#1 We are a Country of Cattle, Catsup, and Consumerism

We kill to eat, don’t care much about quality, and always want more. Sometimes the quick and easy route that Americans are prone to take, no matter the mess they leave behind in their wake, is not always the best solution. Negotiation requires taking the time to look at all possible angles and consider how our position will affect future relationship with those whom we negotiate.

#2 We Need to Get Off Our High Horse

Many Americans don’t even try to negotiate, because they feel they are too good to haggle like those of the third world nations. We often let our pride get in the way of getting a good deal. This is just plain wrong.

#3 We are People Pleasers

Our pride also forces us to always want to make others happy. The fact of the matter is that sometimes you have to disappoint and not every situation is win-win. We need to get over this fact and move on! When you beat someone’s butt in a negotiation, you actually may be helping them to become a better negotiator—if they have the sense to learn from their mistakes and walk away with a valuable lesson learned.

#4 We Get Money Too Easily

Compared to the majority of others in the world, we have it pretty good. The poor in our country would be considered rich in other parts of the world. Because of this, we often take for granted the resources we have and think that they will always be here. The current recession has taught us that perhaps we should model the frugal ways of those less fortunate to protect what we have, so that it will be here for us tomorrow.

#5 We Don’t Have the Opportunity to Practice

Open-air markets with independent vendors, who negotiate everything, are much more common in third world countries. They actually expect you to negotiate. If you don’t, either you are too stupid, or must be an American. Although not as common here, many parts of the country have open-air markets year round that you should visit to practice your negotiation skills. Farmer’s Markets, Swap Meets, and Garage Sales are great places to start.

Now don’t take this article the wrong way. I am not bashing America. I have as much American Pride as the next blue blooded American. American’s excel in many areas, negotiation just doesn’t happen to be one of them. Of course some American’s are expert negotiators, but on the whole we don’t know the first thing about putting a deal together. No matter where you call home, I betting that you too could benefit from sharpening your skills in the area of negotiation.