Book Review: How to Negotiate Like a Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes

By: Mary Greenwood

Synopsis:

For over twenty-five years, author Mary Greenwood has worked in careers that required expert negotiation. After becoming a professional union negotiator, she began to notice a specific set of rules people use to settle disputes. Greenwood compiles many of these rules in How to Negotiate Like a Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, an easy-to-understand guide to negotiating any type of situation. Among these rules you will find the following:

• Focus on the goal and resist being distracted by emotions
• Request ground rules
• Avoid negotiating against yourself
• Do your research
• Know when to walk away

Greenwood lists each rule and subsequently offers a concise explanation on how and when to use it in your negotiations. She explains the emotional frame of mind you need for negotiations and reveals the preparations, strategies, and tactics required to close the deal. Telephone and on-line negotiations are also discussed.

Whether you’re involved in a professional dispute with another business associate, your boss, or even an online seller, How to Negotiate Like a Pro will put you ahead of the game!

My review:

Mary Greenwood is definitely a woman who knows her stuff! Author of  “How to Negotiate Like a Pro: 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes”, Greenwood takes what can be one of the most difficult things to learn and condenses it into an easy to read and follow instructional book.

For years I’ve been trying to teach my children the art of negotiation because I feel it helps you throughout your life.  Some think that negotiation is left for only when you are purchasing something, but if you think about it, you use some form of it everyday in different situations. She gives you negotiating tips for dealing with your spouse like learning how to keep emotions out of it, don’t have a temper tantrum, have a plan B and don’t give an ultimatum – all that can be very useful when dealing with conflict.

My favorite one is Rule 39: Know When To Hold and When To Fold. This is a motto of sorts for me because it basically means that you need to know when to be done. Sometimes in life you will reach an impasse and it may be time to throw in the towel. If you have tried negotiating in different ways and you know what your final  offer is, it may be better to just move on.

Above the 41 Rules for Resolving Disputes, Greenwood also has directions on how to negotiate is many different situations in addition to the “do’s and don’ts of negotiation” , “what makes a good negotiator” and a great glossary of negotiation terms.

It is pretty amazing that Greenwood has included so much information in one book and it so easy to follow. I highly recommend it and think it will help you learn how to negotiate “smarter” in the future!

About the Author:

Mary Greenwood is an Attorney, Mediator, and Author of three award-winning books. Her latest book, How to Interview Like a Pro is based on Greenwood’s experience as a Human Resources Director and Attorney as well as her own experience as a head hunter and an applicant. It has already won eleven book awards including the Best How To Book category in the Reader View Book Awards, a Pinnacle Book Award, Honorable Mention in the DIY Book Festival and silver winner in the ForeWord Magazine Book Awards.

She has a BA and MA in English, a Law Degree and an LL.M. in Labor Law. Greenwood lives in Orlando, Florida with her Boston terrier Annabelle..

You can find more information about Greenwood on her blog. To purchase copies of her book, visit Amazon.