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The Art of Negotiation

Negotiation is a part of working life – whether agreeing priorities and resources, dealing with suppliers or clients, managing difficult conversations, or simply trying to reach an outcome where different people want different things.

This practical two-hour session provides an introduction to some of the core principles, tools and techniques of effective negotiation. It is particularly suitable for those who are beginning to encounter negotiation more frequently in their work, or who would like a more structured approach to it. The session will explore how to prepare for a negotiation and manage the negotiation process effectively.

This course is suitable for:

Emerging leaders preparing to take on management or leadership responsibilities.

New and aspiring managers seeking to build foundational leadership skills.

Team leaders and supervisors responsible for managing people and projects.

Mid-level professionals looking to enhance their leadership effectiveness and influence.

Experienced managers seeking to refresh and expand their leadership capabilities.

Professionals who want to improve communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

This session will explore:

- What is negotiation?

- Objectives and boundaries

- Key negotiation concepts

- Tools and techniques

- Difficult conversations

- Sources of negotiating power: trust, confidence, authority, legitimacy and resolve

- Closing the deal

This series is designed to equip geoscience professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to excel in leadership roles and enhance their overall effectiveness in the workplace. Participants will explore key leadership principles, develop practical management techniques, and strengthen the interpersonal skills needed to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive organisational success.

Through interactive learning, practical case studies, and self-reflection exercises, learners will build competencies in communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, strategic thinking, change management, and team development. The course emphasises both personal growth and professional impact, enabling participants to become more effective leaders regardless of their current role or level of experience.

Other modules available:

Other modules coming soon:

Meeting Management
Effective Communication
Building a Strategy
Speaking to the Media
Presentation Skills

A woman stands holding a clipboard, leading a discussion with four colleagues seated on armchairs in a bright office.

Nov

2026

Introduction to Change Management

Contributes to CPD, Virtual

Two women sitting at a table by a window, talking to each other.

Dec

2026

Having Difficult Conversations

Contributes to CPD, Virtual

The Art of Negotiation

This course will be held virtually on 26 November 2026 at 12:00 to approximately 14:00 GMT, depending on audience participation.

Joining details will be sent out the day prior, alongside any course materials that may be needed.

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Simon Thompson

Simon Thompson is Chief Executive of the Geological Society and formerly CEO of a medical institute. Prior to that, he held senior roles with commercial publishers and charities, and spent five years running his own start-up.

He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and has extensive practical experience of leading organisational change, including restructures, digital and systems change, changes in strategy and ways of working, and the integration of organisations following acquisition.

Fees

Fellow £75

Non-Fellow £150

Student Member £25

Student Non-Member £50

The Geological Society of America (GSA) members discount

We offer a generous 40% discount off our Non-Fellow rate to members of the Geological Society of America (GSA). A discount code must be quoted on the registration form in order to take advantage of the discount. If you are a member of GSA and do not have the discount code, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk with proof of your membership.

Group discounts

We offer competitive group discounts on all Training Courses:
5 – 9 delegates: 20% off
10 – 14 delegates: 25% off
15 delegates or more: 30% off

For more information on how to access the Group Discount, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Concessions

We offer students a generous discount. Please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or uploading a photograph of your student identification/acceptance letter.

The Society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Contact training@geolsoc.org.uk (Please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this.)

If you require an invoice to register for this course, please email training@geolsoc.org.uk

Registration will close 24 hours before the event takes place.

GSL reserves the right to postpone or cancel a Training Course in the event of low interest. In this instance, a full refund will be offered for registration fees.

The Art of Negotiation