Negotiate Anything Harvard’s William Ury: The Hidden Power of Going to the Balcony
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May 16, 2025 
William Ury, a negotiation expert from Harvard and co-author of "Getting to Yes," shares his insights on conflict resolution. He emphasizes the transformative technique of 'Going to the Balcony,' which allows individuals to maintain control in high-stakes situations. Ury recounts gripping real-life stories, including a tense encounter with Hugo Chavez amidst Venezuela's turmoil. Learn how strategic pauses and silence can shift the dynamics of any negotiation, turning chaos into clarity and empowering individuals to navigate conflicts effectively.
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Self-Mastery in Negotiation
- The biggest obstacle in negotiation is not the other person but ourselves.
- Managing our reactions leads to better negotiation outcomes starting from within.
Simple Ways to Go to Balcony
- Use simple actions like taking notes or focusing on physical sensations to mentally step back.
- These techniques help calm your nervous system and restore clarity in stressful negotiations.
Calm Under Fire with Chavez
- William Ury endured a 30-minute yelling from Hugo Chavez during tense talks in Venezuela.
- Ury used the balcony technique to stay calm and eventually helped Chavez propose a truce to avoid civil war.
