1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This book provides strategies for breaking through difficult conversations and negotiations to reach mutually beneficial solutions, enabling readers to create win-win outcomes with even the most difficult people.
“The essence of power is not domination but the capacity to help people achieve their goals.” – William Ury
Quick Info

Category: Communication Skills
Publish Date: 1993-01-01
# Pages: 208
ISBN: 0553371312
Where to Get It:
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Table of Contents
Overview
Getting Past No by William Ury is a book that provides readers with essential negotiation skills for dealing with difficult people and situations.
It offers a step-by-step guide to successfully negotiating with even the most stubborn or uncooperative people.
The book encourages readers to explore all potential areas of agreement, even when it seems like there is no common ground.
It also provides guidance on how to handle objections and recognize power imbalances, as well as how to create a win-win situation.
Ury’s advice is based on his years of experience mediating high-stakes negotiations around the world.
He provides practical tips and tactics that can be used in any situation, from business negotiations to family disputes.
4 Key Lessons from Getting Past No by William Ury
1. Understand the Other Side
The first lesson from Getting Past No is to understand the other side.
Ury explains that in order to successfully negotiate and get what you want, you must understand the objectives of the other party.
To do this, you need to understand their needs, interests, and concerns.
This will help you develop a better understanding of the situation and help you come up with creative solutions that both parties can agree on.
2. Separate the People from the Problem
The second lesson from Getting Past No is to separate the people from the problem.
Ury explains that it’s important to focus on the problem and not the people involved.
This will help you remain calm and focused on finding a solution.
It will also help you avoid getting into personal arguments with the other party.
3. Be Willing to Compromise
The third lesson from Getting Past No is to be willing to compromise.
Ury explains that it’s important to be willing to give something up in order to get something you want.
This means that you should be willing to make concessions in order to reach an agreement.
4. Use Power Strategically
The fourth lesson from Getting Past No is to use power strategically.
Ury explains that power should be used in a way that will bring the two parties closer together, not further apart.
This means that you should use power to show respect and appreciation for the other party’s position, as well as to create incentives for them to agree to your proposal.
This will help you reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Who Should Read It
This book is intended for anyone who struggles with difficult conversations and negotiations in any context, including business, family, and community.
It is especially helpful for managers, salespeople, negotiators, and anyone else who needs to work with challenging people in order to get their desired outcome.
Where to Get It
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About William Ury
William Ury is an American author, negotiation expert, and co-founder of Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation.
He is the author of several books on negotiation and conflict resolution, including the best-selling Getting Past No.
Ury has consulted with and taught negotiators from many countries around the world, including the United States, South Africa, Russia, and the Middle East.
He has also authored numerous articles, papers, and books on the subject.
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Other Communication Skills Books you may Like:
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- Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher
- Here to Make Friends by Hope Kelaher
- How to Instantly Connect with Anyone by Leil Lowndes
- How To Speak, How To Listen by Mortimer J. Adler
Over to You
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Thanks a lot,
Simon

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