How Not to Be a Hostage


Probably because of what I do, people often ask me for advice on how not to become a hostage. They mean that literally; these are not the most secure of times.

My usual response is along the lines of, “Do what you usually do.” Truth is, there are very few real hostage situations on any given day; most of us will never be taken hostage. And most of those who are, will eventually be released.

That applies to everyday negotiations as well, whether in business or daily life. The fact of the matter is, most negotiations are going to result in a favorable outcome. Most people you deal with are not going to try to score big off you, let alone cheat you big-time. That’s not to say they won’t try and cut a deal that’s advantageous to them. That’s only fair—so are you.

I’m not saying you ought to just take what the other side offers the first time around. On the contrary—take only a deal that fulfills your goal. My point is that there are many more honest people in the world than most of us think. And even the people who are only vaguely honest generally cut deals that are in the ballpark.




Negotiate and Win. Proven Strategies from the NYPD's Top Hostage Negotiator
Negotiate and Win: Proven Strategies from the NYPDs Top Hostage Negotiator
ISBN: 0071737774
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 180

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