311: Communication Secrets from FBI Kidnapping Negotiator Chris Voss
Jun 19, 2018
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Chris Voss, former lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI and CEO of the Black Swan Group, shares his unique insights on negotiation and communication. He discusses the critical importance of emotional resonance, revealing that hearing 'that's right' can be a game changer. Voss emphasizes the benefits of aiming for 'no' instead of 'yes' to foster trust and collaboration. He also highlights practical strategies for initiating conversations that reduce anxiety, along with the transformative power of understanding your counterpart's perspective.
Utilizing the FBI's eight negotiation skills fosters effective communication and collaboration, enhancing outcomes in various business interactions.
Encouraging the other party to say 'no' creates a safe dialogue, leading to increased openness and more productive negotiations.
Deep dives
The Eight Negotiation Skills from the FBI
Hostage negotiation relies on eight fundamental skills that can be applied in business contexts to enhance negotiation outcomes. These skills are rooted in understanding human nature and interpersonal dynamics, allowing negotiators to address challenges effectively across diverse environments. Regardless of the situation or culture, these skills prove universally effective in fostering better communication and collaboration. By studying these techniques, professionals can better navigate negotiations, leading to improved results in their own interactions.
The Importance of Trust and Competence in Communication
Establishing trust and demonstrating competence early in a negotiation are critical for success. Instead of providing an extensive background or qualifications, illustrating an understanding of the other party's situation fosters a collaborative relationship right from the start. For example, by outlining the dynamics of a kidnapping scenario, the speaker was able to gain the trust of the victim's father promptly, focusing on actionable insights rather than boasting credentials. This approach emphasizes that effective communication hinges on creating an immediate rapport rather than traditional persuasive tactics.
Revisiting 'Yes' in Negotiation
The common goal of securing a 'yes' in negotiations is often counterproductive, as it can trigger skepticism and defensiveness. Instead, leading with questions that encourage the other party to say 'no' can make them feel safe and more open to dialogue. For example, asking, 'Is this a ridiculous idea?' invites the other party to express their concerns while fostering a collaborative environment. This unexpected shift in strategy not only calms anxieties but also paves the way for more productive discussions.
Eliciting Transformational Agreement
The most powerful words in a negotiation often come from the other party, specifically when they express 'that's right.' This phrase indicates that they feel understood and resonate deeply with what has been communicated. To elicit this response, it's essential to articulate not only the facts but also the emotions underlying a situation, which strengthens connections and facilitates agreement. By honing the ability to express the other party's perspective accurately, negotiators can increase their effectiveness in achieving successful outcomes.
Chris Voss shares how FBI hostage negotiation approaches enable more effective, persuasive communication, in any field.
You’ll Learn:
1) The FBI 8 negotiation skills you can use at work
2) Why yes is the last thing you want to hear
3) The two words that immediately transform a negotiation
About Chris
Chris Voss is CEO of the Black Swan Group and author of the national best-seller “Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It,” which was named one of the seven best books on negotiation. A 24-year veteran of the FBI, Chris retired as the lead international kidnapping negotiator. Drawing on his experience in high-stakes negotiations, his company specializes in solving business communication problems using hostage negotiation solutions. Their negotiation methodology focuses on discovering the “Black Swans,” small pieces of information that have a huge effect on an outcome. Chris and his team have helped companies secure and close better deals, save money, and solve internal communication problems.