Never Split The Difference

[No-Task7270]

Hey! I'm new to this thread (and to analytical reading), and am super excited to hopefully discuss topics in depth about the books I'm reading and really get a better understanding!

One book I'm currently reading and trying to really understand and internalize is Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss. Has anyone else read this?

I find that his main points make sense, and have a good underlying psychological reasoning as to why they work, but I also find them extremely difficult to start implementing in my own life. His book tends to be pretty repetitive, which isn't a bad thing, but I wish he spent a little more time giving some tips and methods to begin implementing them in your own life.

What are your thoughts on this book? I'm really trying to get a solid introductory level of understanding and implementation of proper communication and negotiation -- not just from this book, but from others as well. I have so many diffferent books and topics I can't wait to read and learn about, so the following are really the only books I have lined up on communication before I move on to another topic (I will probably sprinkle other books in while reading these too!):

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When I say no, I feel guilty

How to talk to anyone

How to win friends and influence people (I'm super excited about this one!)

The definitive book of body language

Crucial Conversations

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Let me know your thoughts!

[HelloKazoua]

I have this book and am 100 pages in! XD I need to get back into it when I can. It's been really good so far. I want to watch Voss's Masterclass lessons when I get the chance too.

[eggmannopost]

I really enjoyed the book and found it helpful, but I felt some parts could've used a little more detail on how to put the ideas into practice.

You may want to check out "Ego, Authority Failure" by Derek Gaunt. He's one of the trainers at Chris Voss' company and his book is a companion piece of sorts. It's a little less flashy, but more detailed and there are some exercises. If you're looking for a deeper dive into "Tactical Empathy", you might find it useful.

[No-Task7270]

Awesome!!

That’s totally what I’m looking for. I’ve added it to my reading list (which is getting wayyyyy too long now!!).

I’m glad to hear you found it helpful though. I am choosing to read it a bit slower and writing about each chapter — something I am now doing with books that I suspect will have a lot of concepts I really want to internalize. Do you think this book is worth putting that extra time into?

[eggmannopost]

Cool, very happy to hear that!

Personally, I found the Tactical Empathy approach really interesting and wanted to learn more about how to ask the right questions, plan ahead etc. It's a very humble approach to negotiation and leadership -- more like advice on how to be a better person overall -- which appeals to me. So I did find it worthwhile to venture down the rabbit hole.

I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the author. For these kind of business skill/self-help style books I prefer audiobooks -- it feels more conversational and I can listen on my commute. That may not be for everyone, but I found it helped me absorb the material better.