Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th April 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

'Win-win' or 'no deal'
Anne-Marie Svendsen Aylott
In any negotiation the only acceptable outcomes are either a 'win-win' or 'no deal'

Intriguingly, Anne-Marie Svendsen Aylott began her session on 'Negotiation Skills' at the BSAVA Congress by negotiating with the audience to decide which aspects of the subject they would like to cover!

She explained that when setting out on negotiation skills it is important to look at the bigger picture and break things down into component parts prior to actually engaging in the negotiation. Think about your mindset. "If you think it will be a fight, then it will be a fight," she said.

Before you begin, it is important to know the other person – their beliefs, values and the way they assimilate information. Big picture or detail? What do you think is the preferred outcome for the other person?

Timing is important too; never present more than three choices and have your 'walk away' point set in your mind – the point at which it is not worth continuing. Engage in research to establish shared values and pre-empt objections before you begin the negotiation.

Another part of the process is building rapport through body language (non-conscious mimicry). It improves 'liking', creates a more helpful mindset and offers opportunities to spot shared language which can help you understand what the person is really thinking and lead to more profitable discussion.

Always control your emotions and turn aggression directed towards you into positives. Summarise as progress is made and maybe refocus or reschedule if necessary. Finally, know when to stop. Is it a 'win-win' or 'no deal'?

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."