Let’s Put ‘Yes’ Out of Its Misery. ‘Yes’ Is Not Agreement.
At its very best, yes is only an aspiration, a hope. But hope is not a strategy, and aspiration is not agreement. Here’s why. When Never Split the...
How to Deal with a Boss Who’s a Bully (and a Micromanager)
The secret to getting the upper hand in a negotiation is giving the other side the illusion of control. There is great power in deference, especially...
How to Improve Your Communication Skills to Network Effectively
We’re all drawn to interesting people. Here’s how to improve your communication skills and become the most interesting person in the room. Start with...
Negotiation Training: The Top 10 Black Swan Go-To Labels™
At Black Swan, we’re huge proponents of using Labels™ to arrive at the best outcomes. With an effective use of Labels, you’re able to unearth what...
Negotiation Tactics: 3 Ways to Avoid Taking Yourself Hostage
A while back, I wrote about three ways negotiators take themselves hostage and what you can do to avoid making these same missteps. Since then, I’ve...
The Conflict Resolution Strategies That Will Save Your Relationships
To get your point across AND save your relationships, implement this mechanism when you’re in a disagreement: “Before I disagree, let me make sure I...
How to Make the Impossible Real: Two Must-Read Books for Negotiators
What makes a good negotiator? Constant practice and a dedication to learning. And what’s one way you can continue learning? Read. Here are two...
Negotiation Training: The 7 Deadly Sins of Negotiation
What are The Black Swan Group’s 7 Deadly Sins of Negotiation™ and how can you ensure you don’t fall victim to them? Here’s what you need to know.
Dealing with a Cut-throat Negotiator
The Black Swan Method™ was originally designed for the cut-throat negotiator. Check out this quick clip to learn how to deal with these folks (and...
3 Ways You’re Stacking The Odds Against Yourself in Negotiations
At Black Swan, we teach our clients all sorts of tactics they can employ to achieve better outcomes in their personal and professional lives. For the...
How to Deal with Someone Who’s Using Black Swan Tactics on You
You enter a negotiation. What if there’s a Black Swan-trained ninja on the other side? In such a scenario, you’re most likely dealing with one of...
Seven Seconds: How to Crush Your First Impression
This blog was originally published on 11/26/2018 and updated on 10/22/2020. Seven seconds. That’s all the time you have to make a first impression,...