Never Split the Difference - From Theory to Practice

Understand before you compromise.

We’ve all heard that compromise means “meeting halfway” — finding a middle ground where everyone gives something up. But what if the best solutions don’t come from splitting the difference at all?

In *Never Split the Difference*, Chris Voss explores how understanding what people really need can transform difficult conversations. Beneath the negotiation techniques is a powerful emotional intelligence lesson: what people say they want is not always the same as what they actually need.

Chris Voss developed these techniques in high-stakes negotiations, where understanding the other person could literally change the outcome.

In this Emotional Intelligence Practice Lab, we’ll explore the emotional intelligence underneath those techniques: listening deeply, recognizing emotions, reducing defensiveness, and understanding another person’s perspective. These skills are useful not only in difficult negotiations, but in everyday conversations with colleagues, friends, family, and anyone we want to communicate with more effectively.

We’ll discuss ideas from the book, reflect on where these patterns show up in our own lives, and practice applying them to real conversations.

You don’t need to have read the book to participate. Come ready to explore, connect, and practice having more meaningful conversations.