Christopher Voss Quotes

A huge amount of negotiations and diplomacy has nothing to do with bartering or arguing but is just trying to get everyone [doing the negotiating] on the same page. It takes yours, days, even weeks sometimes.

I am good at persuading people. In convincing the other, I try to start from their point of view so it's easier for me to find a common denominator.

What's important for that person on the other side of the table, and what's important for the client?

Negotiation is empathy. It's almost trite to say that if you can't put yourself in the seat of the other person you're speaking with, you're not going to do well. It's not about being a bully, not about making offers people can't refuse.

When you let someone else win an argument, often you both end up winners.

The best way to persuade people is with your ears - by listening to them.

Understanding is a two-way street.

It is impossible to persuade a man who does not disagree, but smiles.

I don’t always agree with my wife, but we discuss the issue with love and respect. And then I say “yes.”

If you want help from partners, that means listening to them every once in a while.

What I've learned - after working for, I guess, some time now - is when you're approaching a relationship like that, like, any working relationship, it's good to be open. To know that someone might have a different way of doing things and listen to them. And hopefully, you come to a common understanding.

In this world, conversations are negotiations for closeness in which people try to seek and give confirmation and support, and to reach consensus. They try to protect themselves from others' attempts to push them away.

Heck, nobody gets along perfectly. But what we have is respect for one another. We have a system where one guy can veto anything.

Don't try to convince your partner you are right. Instead of trying to win arguments, try to have a winning relationship!

If you are willing to listen and if you are willing to sit around the table, sometimes especially with the people who you think you disagree with the most, it is still really possible to get things done.

'Dialogue' is not a dirty word; it's our word.

There's always a negotiation that goes on to persuade people we are coming to the subject with an open mind but without surrendering too many pawns. We don't want to misrepresent the fact that we will draw our own conclusions.

When you're not being heard - I can't tell you what to do when you're not being heard. I do think there is a way to move in love and get things done, though.

Business deals are successfully negotiated every day throughout America. The common thread is a mutual desire to reach an accord. And the media business is no different.

We have to find compromises. That's the way it is in Norway.

Relationships are negotiated and if you deal with ultimatums and authority all the time, then you're not going to get anywhere.

There is nothing wrong where we reach a point where maybe everybody could claim a victory. I think it would be good for the American people, which should be our first priority.

Without rebuilding the confidence between parties, you will never succeed.

My job is to come up with something that you like and you agree with that you would play wholeheartedly. If we disagree, I may not be doing my job correctly.

Without accepting the other person's thinking, you cannot further your own interest. You need the other's help to get results.