Grade 7Life Skills

Negotiation Skills

Win-win negotiation; steps; resolving differences peacefully.

📖 3 min read · 3 worked examples · 4 practice questions

📚 Practise Negotiation Skills with the AI tutor
Free email sign-in · AI tutor in English, Kiswahili or Sheng
Get started →

The lesson

First, we're focusing on the CBC G7 Interpersonal strand, which is all about how we interact and work together with others. Our topic today is Negotiation Skills – learning how to reach win‑win outcomes, meaning both sides feel they've gained something valuable. By the end of this lesson you will be able to define what negotiation is, describe its key steps, and apply those steps to everyday situations you might face here in Kenya, like sharing chores at home or deciding on a group project role. Let's keep the discussion lively, ask questions whenever something isn't clear, and have a great learning experience together!

Class, let's explore our Four Steps to a Win‑Win Negotiation. We'll see why each step matters and how you can use them in everyday situations, like deciding on group project roles. Step one is Prepare. Before any discussion, think about what you need and try to understand what the other person needs too. For example, when trading snacks, know which snack you want and guess what your friend might be looking for. Step two is Communicate. Listen carefully to the other person and share your thoughts clearly. Imagine you're explaining the rules of a game—you need to be both a good listener and a clear speaker. Step three is Explore Options. Brainstorm together to find solutions that fit both sides. Like when you and a friend want to watch different movies, you might suggest a half‑hour of each. Step four is Agree & Reflect. Choose the best option and later think about how the process went. Did both of you feel heard? What could you improve next time? To recap, we prepare, communicate, explore options, and then agree while reflecting. Mastering these steps helps you create win‑win outcomes in school, home, and beyond.

Worked examples

Market Stall Bargaining

Let's walk through our first worked example: a market stall bargaining scenario in Nairobi. First, preparation: the student knows their budget of 500 shillings, and the vendor knows the cost of the mangoes. Next, communication: the student greets the vendor politely and states clearly, "I would like two kilos of mangoes, please." Then, exploring options: the vendor offers a bulk discount if the student buys three kilos, or adds a small extra fruit for free. Finally, agreement: they settle on 450 shillings for two kilos, and the student promises to return next week for more mangoes. We've seen how preparation, polite communication, exploring options, and reaching an agreement make a successful negotiation. Any questions before we move on?

Group Project Role Allocation

Class, let's explore how a group can fairly divide roles for a science project. This example shows a real negotiation we might have in our own team. First, we identify each person's strengths and preferences – like who enjoys writing, who likes building models, or who is good at data analysis. Next, we discuss workload expectations. We ask questions such as, "How much time can each of you commit each week?" and make sure no one feels overloaded. Then we create a balanced role chart, matching tasks to strengths while keeping the workload even. Finally, we agree on a review meeting after two weeks to see how the division is working and adjust if needed. That's our step‑by‑step guide to role allocation. Any questions before we move on to practice negotiating our own roles?

Resolving a Playground Dispute

Class, let's look at our worked example: resolving a playground dispute. First, Prepare – each student explains why they need the equipment. This helps everyone understand the real reasons behind the request. Next, Listen – we acknowledge each other's interests. Think of it like hearing a friend's side before deciding what game to play. Then, Explore options such as alternate times or a shared schedule. Imagine setting up a rotating turn‑table for the swing set. Finally, Agree on a rotating schedule that satisfies both. This creates a win‑win solution – everyone gets a fair turn. To recap, we prepared, listened, explored alternatives, and agreed on a schedule. Any questions before we move on?

Practice questions

  • For the first question, remember the very first step in any negotiation is to **listen carefully to the other person's needs**. That builds trust and gives you the information you need before you present your own wishes.
  • The market‑stall question is all about finding solutions that help both the seller and the school. Giving a portion of each sale to the school (Option A) and offering a discount when the school buys a batch for fundraising (Option C) are true win‑win ideas.
  • When we talk about active listening, the benefits are that everyone feels respected (Option A), it helps you understand different points of view (Option C), and it reduces misunderstandings and conflict (Option D). Ignoring others' ideas does **not** save time—it usually creates more problems.
  • For the short‑answer, think about step 3: positively restating the other person's point. In a group project about a school garden, you might say, "So, what you're suggesting is that we plant the tomatoes in the sunny corner and use compost from the kitchen waste, right?

Ask the tutor

  • Explain Welcome & Learning Goals in simple words.
  • Give me 3 worked examples on Welcome & Learning Goals.
  • Quiz me with 5 questions on Welcome & Learning Goals.
  • What's the most common mistake students make on Welcome & Learning Goals?
Sign up for a CBC AI tutor →

Free email sign-up — the tutor answers in English, Kiswahili or Sheng and walks you through negotiation skills step by step.

Keep going in Life Skills5 more