An FBI Agent's Playbook for Everyday Negotiation

Most of us think of negotiation as something reserved for high-stakes boardrooms—or even hostage situations. But Christopher Voss, former FBI lead hostage negotiator and bestselling author of Never Split the Difference, says negotiation is everywhere: in salary talks, in team meetings, even in conversations with your kids. And the secret isn’t control. It’s influence.

In this episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel sits down with Chris to explore how we can all become better negotiators by focusing on empathy, collaboration, and trust. Drawing on decades of experience, Chris shares practical tools you can use to move conversations forward—whether you’re asking for a raise, dealing with a difficult boss, or navigating conflict at home.

Chris and Jessi discuss:

• Why negotiation is really about collaboration and long-term relationships

• How to shift from seeking control to building influence

• The power of labeling emotions to build trust and lower defenses

• Why “no” is often more powerful than “yes”

• How to recognize when a negotiation is over—or when it’s time to walk away

• Strategies to reframe salary conversations and show your value

Chris’s methods aren’t about winning at someone else’s expense. They’re about creating better outcomes for everyone involved. If you’ve ever wondered how to be heard, respected, and influential in your work, this conversation offers a masterclass.

This episode was recorded live in-studio. For an extended, behind-the-scenes version, watch on LinkedIn Premium.

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