Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

A former FBI hostage negotiator offers a new, field-tested approach to negotiating – effective in any situation.

After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a kidnapping negotiator brought him face-to-face with bank robbers, gang leaders, and terrorists. Never Split the Difference takes you inside his world of high-stakes negotiations, revealing the nine key principles that helped Voss and his colleagues succeed when it mattered the most – when people’s lives were at stake.

Rooted in the real-life experiences of an intelligence professional at the top of his game, Never Split the Difference will give you the competitive edge in any discussion.

This isn't not the sort of book I normally would ever read. However, it was given to me by a fellow home advocate from the St. Vincent de Paul Society who told me that it would be invaluable in dealing with landlords. This is both funny and probably true. So I read it.

It immediately grabbed me with the contrast of fascinating hostage negotiations and the underlying idea of truly listening to the person you are talking to. Certainly I learned concepts that are going to be helpful in intentional listening and thoughtful communications.

My mind was blown by the last chapter - The Black Swan - as I remembered a conversation that had completely failed in a way I'd never experienced precisely because it was a Black Swan. Very enlightening and something I hope I have learned from for the future.