About Fight Less, Win More
Your handbook for mastering the negotiating skills in the multimillion-copy bestseller Never Split the Difference.
You're in a negotiation right now. In fact, you've been negotiating all day.
That email to your boss? Negotiation. That conversation with your teenager? Negotiation. That interaction with the barista who made your morning coffee? Negotiation too.
Most people don't realize they're negotiating until it's too late—until they've already lost ground, damaged relationships, or walked away empty-handed. But what if you could transform every interaction into an opportunity to get what you want while making others feel valued?
In this groundbreaking follow-up to the global bestseller Never Split the Difference, negotiation experts Jonathan B. Smith and Derek Gaunt reveal the missing piece that's been holding you back: a practical handbook for applying Tactical Empathy—the ability to understand and influence people at a level they don’t even realize—to every sensitive conversation in your life.
Discover how to:
- Begin disarming defenses by making your counterpart feel genuinely understood.
- Acquire critical information by mastering the 5 Levels of Listening that uncover hidden motivations
- Spot game-changing "Black Swans" that swing seemingly impossible negotiations to your advantage
- Defuse tension and navigate high-pressure situations with confidence using the Core Four skills
- Get more of what you want without burning bridges or compromising your integrity
Forged in high-stakes hostage crises and refined in thousands of business negotiations, these field-tested techniques aren't based on academic theory—they're proven methods that work when the pressure is on.
This book isn’t about tricks or manipulative tactics or winning at all costs. It's about a fundamental shift in how you approach human interaction: It's not about you—it's about them.
When you master this mindset and the practical skills that flow from it, you'll transform not just your negotiations but your entire life. You'll resolve conflicts faster, build stronger relationships, and achieve outcomes you never thought possible.
Inside you'll find:
- Real-world case studies showing how these skills work in everyday situations
- Step-by-step guidance for implementing each technique
- Low-stakes practice exercises to build your confidence
- Actionable strategies for identifying and overcoming common negotiation traps
Stop leaving money on the table. Stop enduring unnecessary conflict. Stop accepting less than you deserve.
This isn't just another business book—it's the missing manual for every negotiation in your life.
Get your copy of Fight Less, Win More today and start turning every conversation into a path to success.
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“Fight Less, Win More is a powerful reminder that presence and intention can shift even the hardest conversations.”
Jay Shetty, #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of the On Purpose podcast
About Jonathan B. Smith and Derek Gaunt
Praise for Fight Less, Win More
“At its core, every negotiation hinges on the same principles that guide human behavior. Fight Less, Win More translates the proven science of influence into precise, actionable techniques—showing you how to apply Reciprocity, Consistency, and Empathy to win trust and outcomes alike.”
Robert B. Cialdini, PhD, author of the New York Times bestseller Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
“Conflict is inevitable. Staying stuck in it isn’t. What I love about this book is how it reframes negotiation as an opportunity for connection and progress—not friction. Jonathan and Derek show you how to unlock doors by listening better, responding smarter, and leading with empathy. Every founder, every leader, every person should read it.”
Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief, Entrepreneur Magazine
“If you’re a founder, you’re always selling—ideas, vision, accountability. Fight Less, Win More gives you the exact framework to win those high-stakes conversations. No fluff. This isn’t theory—it’s a tactical guide for anyone who needs people to say yes.”
Ryan Hogan, cofounder and CEO, Talent Harbor, and founder, Hunt a Killer
“This book is a gift to every leader who’s ever walked out of a conversation thinking, ‘That didn’t go how I hoped.’ Fight Less, Win More gives you practical tools to create clarity, connection, and traction in every relationship. It’s a must-read for any team committed to trust and transparency.”
Kelly Knight, integrator, EOS Worldwide
“Miscommunication isn’t just costly—it’s dangerous. In the world of intelligence and special operations, the difference between success and failure often comes down to communication under pressure. Fight Less, Win More arms you with that edge. Jonathan and Derek offer mission-essential tools that help you build trust, de-escalate, influence, lead, and operate—with precision and presence.”
Col. Chris Costa, retired former special assistant to the president, career intelligence officer, and executive director of the International Spy Museum
“In business, the toughest moments aren’t always about the numbers—they’re about people. Fight Less, Win More is a playbook for those high-pressure conversations where relationships and results hang in the balance. Jonathan and Derek don’t just teach negotiation; they show you how to lead with empathy, create trust, and get to action faster. It’s practical, real, and exactly the kind of book you want your whole team reading.”
Andrew Fried, commercial owner and CMO, Mint Mobile
“Fight Less, Win More provides a masterful framework for multigenerational families to break through some of the most challenging conversations with clarity, empathy, vulnerability, and purpose. It’s an indispensable guide for families and their trusted advisors committed to achieving durable family harmony by leveraging the art of listening, the power of emotional intelligence, and the quiet strength of leading through understanding.”
Richard Wolkowitz, founder, Xylogenesis Family Office Advisory
“Fight Less, Win More is more than a book about negotiation—it’s a guide to building trust and emotional connection. Jonathan and Derek demystify the path to creating enduring wins. A must-read for anyone committed to human-centered leadership.”
Sanyin Siang, CEO advisor and Duke University professor