Book Review :: Never Split the Difference, by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, Tahl Raz
ISBN: 1847941494
Published by Random House Business
on 2017-03-23
Genres: Business, Nonfiction
Pages: 274
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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.

Last updated on 13 February 2023

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My thoughts on Never Split the Difference

I have to premise this review by saying that I don’t read business books. Or non-fiction much. At all. But I saw someone on Instagram talking about Never Split the Difference and I was intrigued.

So I bought myself a copy and I am so glad I did. This book is mind-blowing.

“He who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of negotiation.”

Former FBI negotiator Chris Voss, together with Tahl Raz, bring together negotiating techniques that help you get through any situation. From getting a raise at work, to buying a car. From selling products to making deals, from everyday conversations to matters of conflict. But they do it in amongst stories of Voss’ time in the FBI, and the hostage situations he’s been involved in sorting out.

The stories in Never Split the Difference are insane. The situations that the FBI called Voss into are crazy and harrowing, but they’re full of pieces of information and tactics that show how people tick, and how you can move the conversation in a certain way.

Full of practical tips and tricks, and things you can start implementing today, this a great read, engaging read and has so many incredible takeaways. I underlined something on every single page, and it’ll definitely be one I will re-read in the future.

“Negotiate in their world. Persuasion is not about how bright or smooth or forceful you are. It’s about the other party convincing themselves that the solution you want is their own idea. So don’t beat them with logic or brute force. Ask them questions that open paths to your goals. It’s not about you.”

For someone who doesn’t often read non-fiction let alone dives into a business book, this was highly enjoyable and I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it. If you’re not into business books or non-fiction but want to give it a go, I highly recommend Never Split the Difference. It’s easy to read, easy to follow, doesn’t go over your head, and is to the point. The interweaving of stories to illustrate tactics and strategies makes it all the better.

Have you read this book? What did you think?