Everyday Negotiation: The Hidden Superpower in Daily Life
Negotiation is often associated with high-stakes meetings or intense business deals—but the truth is, it is everywhere. From convincing a child to finish their homework to navigating shared responsibilities at home or work, we are constantly engaged in negotiations that shape our relationships and outcomes.
Recently, I revisited Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator. His ideas extend far beyond boardrooms. They tap into psychology, empathy, and human connection—skills anyone can apply daily.
Here are three key takeaways that can quietly transform your conversations:
1. Mirroring
Simply repeating the last few words someone says (or their key idea) invites them to elaborate and feel truly heard. It is subtle but powerful.
Example:
"I feel like I’m always the one doing the dishes."
“You feel like you’re always the one doing the dishes?”
2. The Power of “That’s Right”
When someone says “That’s right” instead of “You’re right,” it signals genuine understanding. It shows that you have articulated their feelings, not just pushed your opinion. That shift builds trust and diffuses tension.
3. Ask “How” Instead of Saying No
Rather than shutting ideas down, asking how encourages problem-solving.
Instead of: “We cannot do that,” try:
“How would that work?”
“How can we make it fair for both of us?”
🌿https://www.emberhart.com/the-art-of-negotiation-in-everyday-life/
These are not negotiation “tricks”—they are tools for empathy, clarity, and collaboration. Use them with your partner, your team, or even your children. Conversations will feel different. Better. More human.
Have you already tried one of these? What happened?
#NegotiationSkills #EverydayLeadership #Emberhart #DareToDream #LifeOfPurpose #InspiringGirls #CommunicationMatters #EmotionalIntelligence #Relationships
