Negotiation Made Simple

by John Lowry

Negotiators might be born, but great negotiators are made. This book offers a useful and comprehensive approach to negotiation that can springboard a career or a company, one deal at a time. Business and organizational leaders spend well over half of their professional time engaged in this process. It is the way they do deals, lead employees, and manage relationships. Most leaders learn to negotiate on the job through a long process of trial and error. In today’s competitive marketplace, there is no time for experimentation, nor room to make mistakes. The good news is by mastering negotiation, the next level of success is actually closer than it appears. The actionable advice and practical guidance offered in this book give a roadmap for every type of negotiation. Through case studies, illustrations, exercises, and personal stories, Lowry shows how This book makes it easy to join the ranks of leaders who have experienced unprecedented success by making negotiation simple.

Genres: Business, Communication, Professional Development, Leadership, Entrepreneurship

240 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Cole Oraham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, and it was excellent. I plan to buy the regular book so that I can make notes and highlight the tactics discussed.

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boost your career and more

5 skills and how to apply them
Navigate relationships
Land deals

Self awareness

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

uncovers the five essential skills of great negotiators, and how to apply them in your daily life
TBA BT creativity and empathy

Notes:
- Being self-aware means having a clear-eyed understanding of yourself – knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies
- Think about times when you felt satisfied with the outcome of a negotiation, and times when you didn't. What was different about these situations? You might find that you behaved differently in each scenario, or that strong emotions came up
- Another powerful technique is to ask for feedback from trusted friends or colleagues.
- The key is knowing when to compete and when to collaborate. Is this a one-time deal, or part of an ongoing relationship?
- Instead of fixating on what you want, explore why you want it. You might find common ground with the other party.
- Sometimes, it's best to let the other person make the first offer. This can give you valuable information about their position. Other times, making the first move allows you to anchor the negotiation in your favor. e.g. Kai, a freelance writer, used to wait for clients to name their price. He often ended up undervaluing his work. He started researching industry rates and making the first offer based on the project's scope. This approach led to fairer compensation and set clear expectations from the start.
- Remember, the first move isn't just about what you say – it's also about how you say it. Your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions all contribute to that crucial first impression.
- Yasmin, a project manager, always starts team negotiations by acknowledging each person's expertise and contributions. This simple act of recognition creates a collaborative atmosphere right from the start.
- Empathy is about stepping into the other person's shoes. It's not just about understanding their words, but also their feelings, motivations, and constraints.
- Creative problem-solving goes hand in hand with empathy. Once you understand the other party's needs and constraints, you can start thinking outside the box to find solutions that satisfy everyone.
- Instead of focusing on obstacles, look for opportunities. Ask yourself, What if we approached this differently?
- Empathy and creativity aren't just nice-to-have skills in negotiation – they're essential tools for finding win-win solutions in every conflict.
- To master the art of keeping everyone satisfied, start by managing expectations from the beginning. Be clear about what's possible and what's not. This prevents disappointments later and builds trust from the start.
- Always look for ways to add value beyond the immediate negotiation. Can you offer knowledge, connections, or future opportunities?
- Even if you don't reach a deal, ensure the other party feels heard and respected. Thank them for their time and leave the door open for future discussions.

[Stacy Brunner · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're all negotiators - we likely negotiate something every day and don't realize it - even multiple times per day! Being a good negotiator doesn't mean you're a smarmy rival who demolishes every opponent.

In fact, quite the opposite is true. Negotiation Made Simple teaches how to engage in negotiations as a collaborator. Relationship building is important, your ambitions are important, and the objectives of the other party are important. Knowing how you'll want to negotiate when the time comes changes how you approach all the other engagements leading up to the deal.

You learn how to make a plan going into the negotiation. There's some psychology to making a great deal, and that's given some attention here. And finally, you'll learn how to pivot and adapt your strategy in the moment as things change in a negotiation.

My favorite thing about this book is that it is written in a straightforward manner with the information presented clearly and not an excess of repetition. This is a book you can pick up ahead of a new situation to remind yourself of key principles or to generate a new idea. This application style of writing is why I love the Business Made Simple approach.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Negotiation Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Making Strategic Decisions, Finding Solutions, and Delivering the Best Deal" by John Lowry is a transformative guide for anyone seeking to enhance their negotiation abilities. The book identifies five essential skills that can be applied in diverse settings, whether it’s advancing your career, improving personal relationships, or even negotiating everyday transactions. These skills—self-awareness, balancing collaboration and competition, mastering the first move, employing empathy and creativity, and striving for win-win outcomes—are accessible to all, regardless of prior experience with negotiation.

The first skill, cultivating self-awareness, highlights the importance of understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers. By reflecting on past negotiations, keeping a journal, and seeking feedback from trusted individuals, you can identify patterns in your behavior and prepare to manage your responses more effectively. This deep self-knowledge allows you to approach negotiations with clarity, adapt to challenges, and leverage your strengths to your advantage.

Balancing collaboration and competition is another key skill emphasized in the book. Great negotiators understand when to cooperate for mutual benefit and when to stand firm to protect their interests. By focusing on shared goals, listening actively, and exploring creative solutions, you can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and partnership. This approach is especially valuable in long-term relationships, where building trust and finding common ground can lead to better outcomes for all parties.

The book also stresses the importance of mastering the first move. This initial step can set the tone for the entire negotiation. Whether it's making the first offer, framing the discussion positively, or establishing rapport, a strong opening demonstrates confidence and positions you for success. Preparation is crucial here, as research and clarity on your goals enable you to make informed and impactful decisions from the outset.

Empathy and creativity are central to unlocking innovative solutions in negotiation. By stepping into the other party’s shoes and exploring their needs and motivations, you can identify areas for mutual gain. Creative problem-solving often reveals win-win solutions that might not have been obvious initially. This combination of understanding and ingenuity can turn challenging negotiations into opportunities to build stronger relationships and achieve lasting agreements.

Finally, the art of creating win-win outcomes underscores the importance of ensuring all parties feel satisfied with the negotiation. By focusing on shared interests, managing expectations, and adding value beyond the immediate deal, you can foster trust and pave the way for future collaborations. Even in situations where compromises are necessary, prioritizing fairness and respect can transform negotiations into tools for long-term success.

John Lowry’s practical advice makes negotiation accessible to everyone, emphasizing that it’s not about winning at all costs but about creating value and building strong, lasting relationships. With these five essential skills, readers can approach negotiations with confidence, turning everyday interactions into opportunities for growth and mutual benefit.

[Huma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Negotiation isn’t some fancy skill reserved for CEOs or business pros it’s a life skill 📍

What this book us about : 📚
Negotiation isn’t just for business meetings or big deals it’s something we all do every day. Whether you’re managing work tasks, sorting out friendships, or building relationships, you’re negotiating. But let’s be honest, most of us just figure it out as we go, often making mistakes along the way.

This book is here to change that. It’s full of real-life stories, advices, and simple tips to help you negotiate better in any situation. You’ll learn when to stand firm, when to collaborate, and how to make smart moves that lead to the best outcomes.

Why you should read it ?? 👇
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to ask for what you want or struggled to close a deal big or small this book is for you. It doesn’t just focus on business it shows how to handle negotiations in all areas of life. By the end, you’ll know how to confidently manage tough conversations and get results that leave everyone satisfied.

Recommended to:
Anyone who deals with people at work, at home, or in relationships will benefit from this book. Whether you’re a business leader trying to close deals or someone just looking to improve your communication skills, this book has something for you. 🚀

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Negotiation Made Simple" by John Lowry is a gem for anyone diving into the world of deal-making. Lowry's approach is refreshingly straightforward, making the often daunting art of negotiation accessible to all. The book combines practical advice with real-world examples, ensuring readers not only understand the principles but can apply them seamlessly.

What sets this book apart is Lowry's knack for demystifying complex negotiation tactics. He breaks down strategies into bite-sized, easy-to-digest nuggets, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned negotiators alike. His anecdotes add a personal touch, making the learning experience enjoyable and relatable.

Lowry’s emphasis on win-win outcomes resonates throughout the book, promoting a collaborative approach to negotiations. Whether you're navigating business deals or everyday situations, the tools provided are universally applicable. "Negotiation Made Simple" is more than a guide; it's a companion that empowers you to navigate the intricacies of negotiation with confidence. If you're looking to sharpen your negotiation skills without wading through jargon, this book is your shortcut to success.

[Nickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect pair to Never Split the Difference! It is incredibly easy to apply quickly. The main focus of this one is not just listening for intent but listening for cues of a competitive negotiator or a cooperative negotiator. Then at the end he gives tools for when someone else is using ma impulsive tactics on you. Loved it, highly recommend if you ever have to talk to other people- this probably would have been helpful when my kids were younger and learning they could argue their points poorly. Avoid power struggles, read this instead.

Food parallel- perfectly balanced chicken Caesar salad. Refreshing, filling, a little sour bite here and there to make sure you're awake...

[Julius Espanol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great starting point for anyone new to the art of negotiation. Kinda straightforward for me and simplifies key skills like self-awareness, balancing competition with teamwork, and aiming for win-win outcomes.

"Think of negotiation as baking a cake, not dividing a pie."

This emphasis on creating value for everyone promotes collaboration over conflict whether you're asking for a raise or making group decisions.

While I found it simpler and more beginner-friendly than Never Split the Difference, I personally prefer the depth and intensity of the latter. That said, still an excellent entry-level guide to building nego skills

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Great negotiators master five essential skills: self-awareness, balancing collaboration and competition, making impactful first moves, using empathy and creativity to solve problems, and striving for win-win outcomes. By cultivating these skills, you can transform everyday interactions into opportunities for mutual benefit, whether at work, in relationships, or in daily life. And successful negotiation is not about winning at all costs, either, but about creating value for all parties involved, leading to better outcomes and stronger, long-lasting relationships.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for anyone who wants to strengthen their negotiation skills in their professional or personal life. Practical handbook that had fantastic take away tips that can be easily used in life’s negotiations. Highly recommended. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

[Brian Virtue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super accessible and really user friendly intro to basic negotiation principles - both competitive and collaborative. Pretty western in its framing and assumptions. Sometimes handwaves some of the ethical tensions. I found it more helpful as an intro to bargaining and competitive negotiation than the collaborative section.

[Arun Narayanaswamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep dive into theories, practicality and psychology of the art of negotiation.
Overall a great reference guide as author himself states that negotiation is a day to day affair and it’s good to be great at it !
As an audio book there is a nice interview at the end. This can be skipped, but it reiterates a few important aspects and I generally liked it.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and easy-to-read handbook full of practical checklists and principles for any negotiation. The included anecdotes are particularly helpful in illustrating the explained concepts and applied principles.

[Mike Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankful for Lowry’s tone in this work. Instead of mastering manipulation (as emphasized in Voss’ work) the focus is on building trust in order to effectively create resolutions with relationships in tact. Helpful insights and tools within.

[Justin Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Clear. Concise. Compelling. Now, to start testing and applying the frameworks...JNG

[Duncan Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah not bad! A little preachy and keeps saying to buy his course but I did like it.

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Negotiations should be simple and efficient to reach its purpose and overall objectives. This book describes several approaches to negotiations and illustrates with examples on how they can be practically applied. There good examples for both personal and professional life scenarios. It is aleays good to keep in mind six key things about negotiations: right communication, approach, vision, roles, values and descions. You need to have a strategy im place and be well prepared. Based on the information you have, you build tactics towards your negotiation objectives. Overall a good book.

[Abi Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book on negotiation and how to implement it into our everyday lives whether it’s for building personal relationships or business ones.

It goes in depth about the importance of knowing how to negotiate successfully and the 6 steps that make successful critical decisions when it comes to being able to put aside emotions and think rationally.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who is starting out their own business or who for anyone who wants to learn how to negotiate more effectively.

[Kenzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got paid to read this book, that is why it gets a star