Think about this for a moment…at any given time, there are 10,000 FBI agents in the Bureau, but only one Lead International Kidnapping Negotiator.
Sounds like a pretty daunting role doesn't it? Well our guest for this episode and ultimate team player held that position from 2003 to 2007.
A 24 year veteran of the FBI, Chris Voss is one of the preeminent practitioners and professors of negotiating skills in the world.
He is the founder and principal of The Black Swan Group, a consulting firm that provides training and advises Fortune 500 companies through complex negotiations. Voss has taught for many business schools, including the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Harvard University, MIT’s Sloan School of Management, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, among others.
In his book, Never Split the Difference, Chris takes us inside the world of high-stakes negotiations, revealing the skills that helped him and his colleagues succeed where it mattered most: saving lives. In the book he shares the nine effective principles—counterintuitive tactics and strategies—that anyone can use to become more persuasive in their professional and personal life.
In this conversation, you are going to hear from one of very best of the very best. Chris’ understanding and experiences with emotional intelligence are second to none. His command of what it takes to influence others in any situation is simply astounding. And its a shame i couldn’t talk to him longer, because as much as we get into trust, agreements, leadership negotiations and teamwork...we only managed to scratch the surface.
If you want to learn how to use emotions, instincts, and insights in any encounter to better connect with your teammates and influence them to achieve more, then you are in the right place.
Enjoy the show!

Please be aware that I am still on the hunt for reviews on iTunes and looking for people to join our #teamfirst movement on Instagram. Check out the links below to show how to leave us a review…and that handle for Instagram, Facebook and Twitter is @barnraiserspod.
I say this every show, but i can’t stress it enough - reviews, likes and comments from you guys are our lifeblood and although we have big plans and seem to be putting out great content out according to our listeners, we need your help.
So please…if you can make a point this week of taking a couple of minutes to connect with a us, say hi and leave a review that would really help put some wind into our sails. And for bonus points, why not go the old fashioned way and tell some of your friends when you see them face to face!
Links:

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, Tahl Raz
The Black Swan Group
The Edge Newsletter by Chris Voss — Sign up for the Black Swan newsletter and receive free negotiation advice from Chris.
The Black Swan Group (@BlackSwanLTD) | Facebook — Facebook
Christopher Voss (@VossNegotiation) | Twitter
The Dark Side of Emotional Intelligence – Adam Grant – Medium — Link to the article Chris referenced in the episode.
The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance: Steven Kotler — The book Chris referred to in the show.
Barnraisers on Instagram
Barnraisers on Faceb