The Self-Assessment Muscle: How Reflecting Builds Better Negotiators

A reflective conversation with Oscar Trimboli on why self-assessment is a critical but overlooked skill in negotiation learning and long-term performance improvement.

What We Explored in This Episode

In this thought-provoking conversation, I sit down with Oscar Trimboli, author of How to Listen, to explore a skill often overlooked in negotiation training: self-assessment. While Oscar’s expertise lies in deep listening, our discussion uncovers a powerful crossover between listening and reflective learning in negotiation practice.

Why Self-Assessment Feels Hard (But Matters)

We unpack the psychological difference between receiving feedback from others and assessing your own performance. Oscar shares insights drawn from neuroscience and professional experience, showing why building a strong self-assessment muscle is essential for long-term improvement.

Turning Insight into Practice

This episode is more than a discussion. It is a call to action for negotiators to pause, reflect, and take ownership of their learning journey.

To support this, we have created a Negotiation Card on Self-Assessment that you can use in your next club session or personal practice.

What to Practise After Listening

Start building the habit of reflection before seeking feedback and notice how it changes the way you develop your negotiation skills.