Book Report 7: Never Split the Difference

Chris Voss is a retired Special Agent FBI negotiator, known as one of the, if not the, best negotiators.

He has taken what he has learned from hostage negotiations and applied them to the business world and beyond.

His consulting company, The Black Swan group, holds master classes, podcasts, etc on negotiation (they also are available for hire).

Having watched many of his podcasts, YouTube videos, master class videos etc, I am no stranger to the Chris Voss method of negotiating.

This is a book I regrettably had put off reading for a while. Since I had watched many of Chris Voss's videos, I never put the time into reading the book.

I'm glad I have invested the time now to read the book, as he definitely goes in more depth than he does in some of his videos. His explanations, examples, and information are more thoroughly, and it makes you really think.

Though I think the book needs to be read in conjunction with his podcasts/videos, as he writes about tonality and delivery, as well as your body language. These are skills that are hard to grasp and master by simply reading the book. Had I not watched his videos, I wouldn't know what he meant by a "Late night FM DJ" voice, and various other factors. Thus, I am glad that I am reading the book after watching the videos.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to take up negotiating. I believe his methods, teachings and techniques work well in business. I had taken a negotiation class at UCLA, and that class really fell short. I didn't feel I learned as much in that class as I had watching Chris's videos. Chris doesn't take the traditionally negotiating method, and I believe that is more effective.

For example, at UCLA (and other academic classes), they teach BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), where Chirs calls that a WATNA (worst versus best) hilariously enough. He talks that splitting the difference never works.

In Conclusion, read the book, while concurrently watching his podcasts and videos. It'll help you negotiate better salaries and business contracts.

The book though, i believe requires more than one read. I plan to reread it again at a later date, and take more notes.