FRANCE | Internship: At work | Negotiating & Conflict Situations
In France, the trainee’s position is a relatively weak one since it is at the end of the professional hierarchy. Negotiating with the employer therefore represents more or less an exception! Also in the job interview, it is not recommended to negotiate with the internship advisor.
However, it is possible to negotiate and debate with colleagues on the occasion of a project meeting or in a conflict situation. In this case, one should apply the following approach:
- “prepare the terrain” by establishing contacts with the others and “testing the waters”
- ask for the permission to express your thoughts
- be aware of the unspoken words: what may be between the lines and what does it mean?
- show your motivation and engagement and announce your request in a positive manner
- avoid to affront others
- avoid to express criticism too directly