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The James Altucher Show

The Secrets of Negotiation from the FBI Top Negotiator | Chris Voss

Feb 4, 2023
In this engaging discussion, Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator and author of "Never Split the Difference," shares gripping stories from his career. He reveals how mentioning a hostages' mother shifted the dynamic with terrorists, and highlights essential negotiation tactics. Voss outlines methods like the "hand-cuff method" for de-escalating conflicts and explains the importance of emotional intelligence in negotiations. He emphasizes that understanding the other party's needs is crucial, both in crises and everyday business situations.
01:14:16

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Effective negotiation hinges on understanding the other party's perspective, as illustrated by the tactics used in hostage situations.
  • Open-ended questions serve as a strategic tool to elicit valuable information and create a collaborative negotiating atmosphere.

Deep dives

The Nature of Hostage Negotiation

Hostage negotiation is likened to a commodities game, where understanding the perspective of the kidnappers is crucial. Chris Voss, a former FBI international crisis negotiator, emphasizes that kidnappers often view themselves as hard bargaining commodities dealers. He details a case involving the abduction of a Fox News reporter, illustrating how the perception of the situation can shift during negotiations. Throughout the discussion, Voss demonstrates the necessity of communication and respect in fostering effective negotiation dynamics.

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