Never Split the Difference

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published May 16, 2016 by HarperBusiness.

ISBN:: 9780062407801

(1 review)

A former FBI hostage negotiator offers a new, field-tested approach to negotiating – effective in any situation.

After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a kidnapping negotiator brought him face-to-face with bank robbers, gang leaders and terrorists. Never Split the Difference takes you inside his world of high-stakes negotiations, revealing the nine key principles that helped Voss and his colleagues succeed when it mattered the most – when people’s lives were at stake.

Rooted in the real-life experiences of an intelligence professional at the top of his game, Never Split the Difference will give you the competitive edge in any discussion.

6 editions

matthewmincher@bookwyrm.social reviewed Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

Some good bits

3 stars

I was recommended this one as an approach to dealing with difficult conversations in life where you have a vested interest in a particular outcome.

It was great to read about some of the crazy situations the author has been in and the information in the book is presented as a set of conversational tools used to get your way.

I think I see them as more of things to be aware of. I'm not sure most of them were things I'd actively try to use in conversation with anyone. It feels too manipulative to me -- obviously this might be fine in a life or death situation, less so getting a better deal in a shop.

I can definitely imagine these tactics working on me without any particular effort, so I'm interested to spot them next time.

I did like the alternatives to saying yes/no, though - as ways …

I was recommended this one as an approach to dealing with difficult conversations in life where you have a vested interest in a particular outcome.

It was great to read about some of the crazy situations the author has been in and the information in the book is presented as a set of conversational tools used to get your way.

I think I see them as more of things to be aware of. I'm not sure most of them were things I'd actively try to use in conversation with anyone. It feels too manipulative to me -- obviously this might be fine in a life or death situation, less so getting a better deal in a shop.

I can definitely imagine these tactics working on me without any particular effort, so I'm interested to spot them next time.

I did like the alternatives to saying yes/no, though - as ways to drive progress towards a shared goal in a more productive way.

Subjects

Nonfiction