Book Review: Negotiating for Success by George J. Siedel
As an avid reader with a keen interest in personal development and business communication, I was drawn to Negotiating for Success by George J. Siedel. The title alone suggested valuable insights into a skill I believe is paramount not just in the boardroom but in everyday interactions. With the tagline summarizing that "life is negotiation," it piqued my curiosity and compelled me to dive into its 160 pages.
From the outset, I appreciated the book’s structured approach to negotiation. The author organizes the chapters chronologically, which allows for a clear progression from preparation through to the evaluation of performance. This method mirrors real-life negotiation processes and made the content feel not only logical but practical. Jose Fernando Torres remarked on this organization as a standout feature, emphasizing that it made the negotiation process easier to grasp. I completely agree; the chronological layout made each step distinct without overwhelming me with information.
One key positive is the book’s focus on actionable insights. It includes tools such as a Negotiation Planning Checklist and a detailed negotiation style assessment. These practical applications are invaluable for both novice and experienced negotiators. I found the “Use of Psychological Tools” chapter particularly interesting. It’s packed with strategies to help navigate negotiations effectively and foster win-win outcomes. Readers like Jason Amos have noted the engaging stories and examples that reinforce these practical lessons, which is something I found added depth to my understanding.
However, the book isn’t without its drawbacks. One recurring point raised by some readers is the lack of an index. While the material is short enough that finding topics isn’t overly cumbersome, an index would have easily enhanced accessibility. I found myself flipping back through pages to locate specific strategies, which sometimes disrupted the flow of my reading.
Also, while the book offers great content, I must agree with other readers who’ve mentioned that the same concepts can be accessed through George Siedel’s online course, "Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills." For some, this dual approach may lead to the feeling that the book is somewhat redundant. Nonetheless, I see value in having a physical reference that I can easily annotate and return to, especially given the handy checklists and reminder tools provided.
Throughout my reading, I was especially impressed with the author’s holistic treatment of negotiation. Unlike other texts that segment negotiation and contract law, Siedel’s integration of these dimensions reflects the reality of negotiation where performance matters as much as the agreements themselves. This perspective resonates with anyone looking to truly understand the multi-faceted nature of negotiation, making this work stand out in a crowded field.
Ultimately, Negotiating for Success serves as an excellent roadmap for navigating negotiations in both personal and professional contexts. With practical tools, insightful examples, and a clear structure, it fulfills its promise to equip readers for success. Despite the minor issues like the absence of an index, which I hope will be addressed in future editions, the overall experience was rewarding and enlightening.
In conclusion, I would wholeheartedly recommend Negotiating for Success to anyone looking to enhance their negotiation skills. Whether you are a novice or someone with a bit more experience, this book provides a solid foundation for understanding negotiation and its critical role in our daily lives. After all, as Siedel aptly puts it, "Life is negotiation!" With that in mind, it’s a skill worth mastering, and this book is an excellent companion on that journey.