Fight Less, Win More: How Master Negotiators Influence Hearts, Minds, and Deals

by Jonathan B. Smith, Derek Gaunt

Your handbook for mastering the negotiating skills in the multimillion-copy bestseller Never Split the Difference .

You're in a negotiation right now. In fact, you've been negotiating all day.

That email to your boss? Negotiation. That conversation with your teenager? Negotiation. That interaction with the barista who made your morning coffee? Negotiation too.

Most people don't realize they're negotiating until it's too late. But what if you could get what you want while making others feel valued?

In this follow-up to the global bestseller Never Split the Difference, negotiation experts Jonathan B. Smith and Derek Gaunt provide a practical handbook for applying Tactical Empathy—the ability to understand and influence people at a level they don’t even realize—to every sensitive conversation in your life.

Discover how

Begin disarming defenses by making your counterpart feel genuinely understood.Acquire critical information by mastering the 5 Levels of Listening that uncover hidden motivationsSpot game-changing "Black Swans" that swing seemingly impossible negotiations to your advantageDefuse tension and navigate high-pressure situations with confidence using the Core Four skillsGet more of what you want without burning bridges or compromising your integrityForged in high-stakes hostage crises and refined in thousands of business negotiations, these battle-tested techniques aren't based on academic theory—they're proven methods that work when the pressure is on.

Stop leaving money on the table. Stop enduring unnecessary conflict. Stop accepting less than you deserve.

This isn't just another business book—it's the missing manual for every negotiation in your life.

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 13, 2026

Reviews

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compelling guide delivers a refreshing shift in how to approach conflict, influence, and decision-making. It emphasizes the power of emotional regulation and intentional communication, showing how calmer, more deliberate responses consistently outperform reactive ones. The narrative illustrates how understanding the motivations and fears of others creates opportunities for collaboration rather than escalation, ultimately leading to better outcomes with far less friction. It also highlights the importance of preparation—not just tactical, but psychological—so that even high-stakes conversations can be navigated with confidence and clarity. Ultimately, it’s an empowering read that reframes conflict as something to be mastered thoughtfully rather than battled endlessly, leaving you better equipped to achieve meaningful, lasting wins.

[Lauren Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was well written, relatable, and uplifting. It encourages you to work the techniques and practices into your daily interactions and ultimately makes you a better listener. I’ve been using some of the lessons and have already seen positive progress with people that I’d previously hit a stalemate with. It’s a no brainer - grab this.

[Brandon Karam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal read.