Sign in to view more content

Create your free account or sign in to continue your search

Welcome back

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

New to LinkedIn? Join now

or

New to LinkedIn? Join now

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

Skip to main content
LinkedIn
  • Articles
  • People
  • Learning
  • Jobs
  • Games
Join now Sign in
Last updated on Apr 22, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Conflict Resolution

A stakeholder is shutting down during negotiations. How do you break through the silence?

Breaking through silence during negotiations can be challenging, but effective strategies can help you re-engage your stakeholder.

When a stakeholder shuts down during negotiations, it's crucial to re-establish communication and move the discussion forward. Here's how:

  • Ask open-ended questions: Encourage dialogue by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

  • Show empathy: Acknowledge their concerns and demonstrate understanding to create a safe space for conversation.

  • Pause and reflect: Give them time to process and respond, reducing pressure and allowing for thoughtful engagement.

What strategies have you found effective in re-engaging stakeholders during negotiations?

Conflict Resolution Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution

+ Follow
Last updated on Apr 22, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Conflict Resolution

A stakeholder is shutting down during negotiations. How do you break through the silence?

Breaking through silence during negotiations can be challenging, but effective strategies can help you re-engage your stakeholder.

When a stakeholder shuts down during negotiations, it's crucial to re-establish communication and move the discussion forward. Here's how:

  • Ask open-ended questions: Encourage dialogue by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

  • Show empathy: Acknowledge their concerns and demonstrate understanding to create a safe space for conversation.

  • Pause and reflect: Give them time to process and respond, reducing pressure and allowing for thoughtful engagement.

What strategies have you found effective in re-engaging stakeholders during negotiations?

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
10 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Amir Bidavisi

    NLP Business Practitioner | NLP Business Coach | Sales Trainer | ANLP Accredited

    • Report contribution

    وقتی یک ذینفع در مذاکره خاموش میماند، معمولاً نشانهای از مقاومت، عدم اطمینان یا ناراحتی است. مکث و تأیید احساسات مشهودش فضا را برای بازگشت او به گفتگو باز میکند. برخی کارهایی که میتوان به سادگی انجام داد: 1. فشردن دکمه پاز و یا کاستن از سرعت حرکت مذاکره: جملهای مثل «احساس میکنم این مسیر مناسب نیست، نظرتان چیست؟» میتواند به او احساس شنیدهشدن حرفهای نزدهاش را بدهد. 2. بازگشت به سطح تفاهم مطلوب: تغییر موضوع به نقطهای مشترک یا مثبت با هدف ایجاد همدلی 3. بازگشت به اهداف مشترک: تأکید بر ارزشهایی که هر دو طرف دنبال میکنند. به باور من در اینجا موضوع، اجرای فلان تکنیک نیست بلکه ایجاد فضای گفتگوی آزاد و به اشتراک گذاردن دغدغهها برای فردیست که نمیخواهیم زمانی که ما حضور نداریم برای سرانجام رابطه تصمیم بسازد.

    Translated
    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Subrata Adhikary

    Driving Success as Your Trusted ✅ Microsoft Dynamics ✅ Salesforce ✅ SAP ✅ Premium Resource Supplier ✅ Corporate Training ✅ Contratual global deployment

    (edited)
    • Report contribution

    🔑 Breaking the Silence in Negotiations! A disengaged stakeholder can stall progress, but the right approach can re-open dialogue. 🗣️ Start with empathy—acknowledge their concerns and create a safe space for discussion. 🤝 Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts. 🔄 Shift focus—if one topic is causing resistance, explore related areas to build momentum. 📊 Provide data-backed insights to restore confidence. 🛠️ Offer flexible solutions to show willingness to collaborate. Silence doesn’t mean disinterest—sometimes, it’s an opportunity to listen deeper and rebuild trust! 🚀 Thanks Shawn

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Maksim Pomazov

    Tandem-Mediator No. 1 | Conflict resolution | Business & Family conflicts resolution | Cross-cultural conflicts resolution | Mediator certified | Co-founder at “Quinella Mediation Valley”.

    • Report contribution

    Cultural differences can strongly influence the course of negotiations, especially when one of the parties prefers silence instead of open discussion. In some cultures, a long pause is a sign of respect and consideration, in others it is a way to avoid confrontation. If an interested party disconnects, it is important not to ignore the situation. In such cases, it is important to involve a mediator who can help identify the reasons for the silence and continue a productive dialogue. The longer the silence persists, the more difficult it is to restore trust and find a solution. A quick conflict resolution is important for any team, as prolonged disagreements undermine working relationships.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Aditya Sugiarto

    Management Student at Soegijapranata Catholic University|Soegijapranata University Echo Life SCU Student Activity Unit|Environmental Activist|Human Resource Management (HRM)|Human Resource (HR) Enthusiast

    • Report contribution

    in dealing with situations where a stakeholder is silent during negotiations, an approach that emphasizes the value of human capital is essential. to break the ice, we need to create an atmosphere that supports open communication, where each party feels valued and heard. using mediation techniques that focus on conflict resolution can help identify the needs and interests of each party. in the long run, building trusting and respectful relationships among team members will create a more collaborative environment, making it easier to resolve future issues and improve overall organizational effectiveness.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Joshua M.

    Pastor/ Teacher at AIC Kenya.

    • Report contribution

    I would approach the issue with a lot of caution aware that I am dealing with a fellow human being and he remains a suspect until proved guilty. As a Christian, I would be guided by Galatians 6:1 which says: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." I would take the following Steps: - Investigate the suspicion. - Document my findings. - Approach the affected member with the facts. - Seek to understand why the Team member was involved in the act. - Suggest ways of remedying the situation including restitution. - Help the Team member to reform and retain him in the Team. Thank you. Rev. Muendo J. Touching Lives for Christ and for Life.

    Like
View more answers
Conflict Resolution Conflict Resolution

Conflict Resolution

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?
It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Conflict Resolution

No more previous content
  • How would you navigate a conflict with a colleague over limited project resources?

    38 contributions

  • Dealing with an aggressive client in conflict resolution. Can you defuse the tension and reach a resolution?

    24 contributions

  • Your team is clashing due to different communication styles. How can you mediate effectively?

    18 contributions

  • Your client doubts the value of your services. How will you navigate negotiations effectively?

    14 contributions

  • External stakeholders are swaying your resource decisions. How can you effectively resolve the conflict?

    10 contributions

  • Your team members have clashing timeline priorities. How can you facilitate a productive discussion?

    17 contributions

  • Your team members clash over remote work schedules. How can you find common ground?

    30 contributions

  • Your project timeline is at risk due to client demands. How will you navigate this challenging situation?

    68 contributions

  • Remote team members are clashing in a virtual meeting. How can you calm the storm and foster collaboration?

    24 contributions

  • Your finance and operations teams have conflicting priorities. How can you resolve their disputes?

    10 contributions

No more next content
See all

More relevant reading

  • Decision-Making
    What do you do if your decision-making role involves conflicting negotiations?
  • Creative Strategy
    What do you do if your creative strategy conflicts with others in a negotiation?
  • Strategic Negotiations
    How do you design and facilitate effective communication and coordination among multiple parties?
  • Executive-level Communication
    What are the common pitfalls to avoid when negotiating with high-stakes stakeholders?

Explore Other Skills

  • Communication
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Personal Branding
  • Leadership Development
  • Problem Solving
  • Thought Leadership
  • Leadership
  • Research Skills
  • Executive Coaching

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

  • LinkedIn © 2025
  • About
  • Accessibility
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your California Privacy Choices
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Brand Policy
  • Guest Controls
  • Community Guidelines
Like
1
10 Contributions