I recently explored negotiation strategies inspired by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, to see how I could improve in everyday situations.
I must admit, my negotiating skills could use some work. Just the other day, I attempted to secure a better cell phone contract, but it didn’t go as planned. My approach was straightforward: I aimed to discuss a better rate with my provider and mentioned that I might consider switching. However, the conversation took an unexpected turn, and I found myself apologizing to the sales representative for taking up their time and ultimately agreeing to a plan that was slightly more expensive. This experience made me realize I have some room for growth in my negotiation abilities.
Before this experience, I believed I was reasonably good at negotiating. While I may not be equipped to handle a hostage crisis, I felt I could manage most situations effectively. Following my recent experience, I actively sought resources to enhance my negotiation skills. That’s when I came across “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss, which really shifted my perspective on what effective negotiation can look like.
