Getting Ready to Negotiate: The Getting to Yes Workbook : Book Review

"Getting Ready to Negotiate" by Roger Fisher is a highly valuable resource for individuals looking to enhance their negotiation skills. The book emphasizes the crucial role of preparation in attaining successful outcomes in negotiations. Fisher presents practical strategies and techniques that can be applied to various negotiation scenarios, both personal and professional.

One of the key messages conveyed in the book is the importance of separating the individuals involved from the problems being discussed. Fisher emphasizes the need to maintain positive relationships while addressing the underlying issues. He underscores effective communication and active listening as essential tools for understanding the perspectives of the other party.

Another significant aspect highlighted in the book is the prioritization of interests over rigid positions. Fisher proposes that focusing on the underlying interests of both parties can lead to more innovative and mutually beneficial solutions. He provides readers with techniques on how to identify and prioritize these interests, which allows for a more collaborative negotiation process.

The book also delves into the significance of creating alternative options. Fisher stresses the importance of generating multiple possibilities and exploring different alternatives before settling on an agreement. By expanding the range of available options, negotiators can increase their chances of finding a solution that satisfies both parties involved.

Moreover, Fisher explores the concept of establishing a "Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement" (BATNA). He advises readers to assess their BATNA before entering into negotiations, as it serves as a benchmark against which potential agreements can be evaluated. This helps negotiators determine whether the proposed agreement is better than their alternative options and enables them to make informed decisions.

What are readers saying?

The book "Getting Ready to Negotiate" written by Roger Fisher has generated a range of opinions from its readers. Some found the book to be highly informative and practical, praising the author's emphasis on preparation and planning before entering into negotiations. They expressed gratitude for feeling more confident and well-prepared due to the book's guidance. Moreover, readers appreciated the author's clear and concise writing style, which made it easier to grasp complex negotiation concepts. They found the book to be a valuable resource filled with useful strategies and tactics that they could readily apply to real-life negotiation scenarios.

However, there were also readers who believed the book lacked depth on certain topics. They felt that some concepts were oversimplified and should have been explored in greater detail. Additionally, they found the examples provided to be repetitive and not diverse enough to cover a wide range of negotiation scenarios.

Some readers pointed out that the book appeared to be somewhat outdated, given its original publication in 1995. They raised concerns that the strategies and examples may not be as relevant in today's fast-paced and digital world. These individuals suggested that more updated content and examples would have been appreciated to address current negotiation challenges.

Furthermore, a few readers felt that the book focused overly on theoretical aspects and lacked practical application. They desired more concrete steps or action plans to follow, rather than an emphasis on theory and principles. Some reviewers also noted a preference for more real-life case studies to better illustrate the concepts discussed in the book.

Overall, while "Getting Ready to Negotiate" received mixed reviews, some readers found it to be an informative, practical, and well-written resource. On the other hand, others felt that it lacked depth, relevance, and practical applicability.

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