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A coach talks to her team of young people in a sports hall

Listen to your team

It's really important for group leaders to listen to their members - and respond to their needs and concerns.

However sometimes you'll need to ask them to do things that they might not immediately want to do - like getting up earlier in the morning for training. Or taking turns in washing the kit.

Here are some tips to help you get everyone onside....

Top tips for successful negotiation

Take time to understand everyone's views
Don't try and bulldozer your ideas through... ask what others think and listen carefully to their points.
Find areas of common ground
Focus on the points that you agree on. Your ideas may be more similar than it originally seemed. It will also help you bond with the other person.
Identify areas where you differ
Try and work out what the main issues are - perhaps the other person has a point? Or maybe they don't understand that you've got this covered? Always be gentle in your approach.
Explore ways to reach an agreement
Make sure that you're being fair - then others are more likely to go along with your suggestions. It may be helpful if you can explain how you got to your viewpoint. What criteria did you use to reach your decision?
Don't rush forward
Rather than pushing ahead with your vision, read the room. If others don't share your conviction, then press the pause button. Explore other options with your members and work towards a compromise. Remain open minded about possible outcomes.
Exchange information
Don't do a brain dump on your members and bombard them with everything you know about a subject. Provide them with nuggets of information that will be helpful to them. This may encourage them to open up and provide information in return.
Be flexible
Always know where you want to go - but be ready to explore the different ways to get there. Being flexible is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Be ready to close
Make it clear when you're ready to close the deal or settle the issue.
Summarise what you've agreed
Summarise your agreement, to check that everyone understands what the deal is and there's no ambiguity.
Watch the body language
Check that everyone's happy and their body language is sending relaxed signals. If they look or sound anxious or angry, then see if you can resolve any final issues. Good luck!