What is BATNA?
Itâs an abbreviation for âBest Alternative to a Negotiated Agreementâ. Itâs your backup plan if your negotiation doesnât lead to a deal. By determining a BATNA youâll have more confidence because you have a backup plan if the negotiation doesnât work out. Because of this, you wonât feel forced to make a bad deal.
Being forced into a bad deal will usually give you no choice but to leave the negotiation table. We clearly donât want that to happen.
Going into any negotiation, itâs important to have a clear understanding of your BATNA. If youâre negotiating with a supplier, be sure about the pricing of alternative suppliers. If youâre negotiating over salary, your alternative might be a different job offer.
The BATNA is your point of departure. Anything you can âwinâ in your negotiation makes your BATNA less attractive.