Christopher Voss Quotes

In politics, you must let the other person have your way.

The art of compromise centers on the willingness to give up something in order to get something else in return.

You have to find a deal where each side can say “we held firm on what matters.”

Compromise is part of how we get things done.

Can compromise be an art? Yes--but a minor art.

A good compromise is one where everybody makes a contribution.

I've grown up a little bit. I understand the importance of the negotiation. It is a collective act.

Sometimes a little compromise isn't a bad thing. You don't need to be precious about it.

It's time to recognize what compromise means: no side wins or loses all.

I've learned that in order to achieve what I wanted, it made more sense to negotiate than to defend the autonomy of my work by pounding my fist on the table.

Diplomacy is letting someone else have your way.

You cannot just dictate at negotiations. You must also listen.

I'm a compromiser and a maneuverer. I try to get something. That's the way our system works.

Compromise, compromise and compromise.

Give your opponent an out. Look at the crises from his point of view.... Try to pick an option that achieves your purpose at minimal cost to him—military, political or otherwise.

The first rule of negotiations is that normally you have to give to get.

In any negotiation you have a wish list but then you proceed from where you can be.

There is always competition for influence, but there are also opportunities for cooperation.

Oftentimes, the best negotiations result in a deal that benefits both parties. There are times when you simply want to go for the jugular, but often, you want the other person to feel pleased with the outcome, even if you are the clear victor.

The main aim of the [political] dialogue should be to resolve the problems of the nation, not to find who is the winner and who is the loser. That's not what it's all about. It's to try and find an answer that is acceptable to all parties concerned, which would of course require some give and take.

When I say compromise I do not mean capitulation. When I say compromise I definitely do not mean what Jesus Christ meant when he offered us to turn our other cheek to our enemies. Compromise means, try to meet the other somewhere half-way. And, this can only happen if the other is willing to go half-way in order to meet you. That is the very strict line between compromise and capitulation.

To negotiate is not to do as one likes.

I'm a great believer in compromises. I do not believe in capitulation.

The art of compromise centers on the willingness to give up something in order to get something else in return. Successful artists get more than they give up.

For us, compromise never means surrender, but a step forward and some rest. That is all and nothing else.