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The Art of Negotiating
From:
Dr. Judith Briles --The Book Shepherd Dr. Judith Briles --The Book Shepherd
For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Denver, CO
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

 

I read multiple blogs throughout the week created by others. One that stood out was by author and leadership expert Marsha Haygood and the power and the why of negotiating. Her four Steps—focus on YOU, and negotiating for your own time … with self and with others. With Marsha’s permission, I’m reposting for all of you.

When people hear the word “negotiation,” most immediately think of salaries, contracts, or closing a business deal. Money tends to dominate the conversation. But the truth is, one of the most important things you can and should negotiate is your time. Unlike money, you cannot earn back time once it’s spent. Every yes you give to someone else is also a no to something that may matter more to you.

That’s why learning to negotiate your time isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity if you want to build a career and a life that reflect your priorities.

Why Time Negotiation Matters

Think about how many times you’ve said yes out of habit, guilt, or the desire to avoid disappointing others. Agreeing to serve on one more committee, taking on a colleague’s extra work, or volunteering for something outside of your bandwidth may feel like a small decision in the moment. But over time, these yeses stack up and drain the energy you need to do your best work.

Negotiating your time is about recognizing its value and protecting it with intention. When you don’t do this, you risk burnout, resentment, and a calendar that looks full but leaves you unfulfilled.

Four Steps to Start Negotiating Your Time

1. Get crystal clear on your priorities.
Start by making a list of the three to five things that matter most right now. This could be finishing a big work project, preparing for a career transition, or prioritizing family time. Once you have this list, use it as your guide. If a request doesn’t support these priorities, it’s an opportunity to say no or to negotiate terms.

2. Say no without guilt.
Saying no doesn’t mean you are unkind or unhelpful. It means you’re honoring your limits. Practice saying phrases such as:

  • “I’m not able to commit to that right now.”
  • “My schedule is full, but thank you for thinking of me.”
  • “That doesn’t fit with my current priorities.”

You don’t owe long explanations. A direct, respectful no protects your time and sets clear boundaries.

3. Negotiate terms, not just commitments.
Sometimes the request is important, but the way it’s structured won’t work for you. That’s when negotiation comes in. Ask:

  • “Can we extend the deadline?”
  • “Can I share this responsibility with a colleague?”
  • “Would it work if I contributed in a smaller way?”

By reshaping the terms, you create room for your priorities while still contributing where it matters.

4. Protect your non-negotiables.
Treat the things that matter most—family dinners, your workout time, or your writing project—the same way you’d treat a high-level meeting. Block them on your calendar before you agree to anything else. If someone asks for your time, you’ll see immediately whether it fits or conflicts.

What Happens When You Negotiate Your Time

Negotiating your time isn’t just about cutting back. It’s about opening space for what moves you forward. You’ll notice that you feel less stressed and more energized. You’ll also gain respect from others, because people admire those who value themselves enough to protect their boundaries.

And here’s the unexpected benefit: when you negotiate your time well, you often find that you negotiate better in every area of life, including money. The confidence you build in advocating for your hours translates into advocating for your worth.

So the next time someone asks for your time, pause before you respond. Remember that every yes comes with a cost. Negotiate wisely, because your time is one of the most valuable things you have.

Marsha Haygood is committed to the success of others and is purpose driven to inspire her clients and audiences to take an active role in achieving their goals. Her email is Marsha@MarshaHaygood.com.

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Name: Dr. Judith Briles
Group: The Book Shepherd
Dateline: Aurora, CO United States
Direct Phone: 303-885-2207
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