If you approach a negotiation thinking the other guy thinks like you, you are wrong. That’s not empathy, that’s a projection.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathizing with the perspectives of others. This quote highlights the fact that assuming that everyone thinks the same way as you do can be a significant barrier to successful communication and negotiation. It is essential to recognize that everyone has different experiences, values, and motivations, and understanding these differences is critical to building strong relationships and reaching agreements that benefit all parties involved. True empathy involves putting aside our assumptions and projections and seeking to understand the other person's perspective with an open mind.
Who said the quote?
The quote "If you approach a negotiation thinking the other guy thinks like you, you are wrong. That's not empathy, that's a projection." was said in the book Never Split the Difference (Summary / Quotes ) by Chris Voss. Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator and author of "Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It".
* The editor of this interpretation made every effort to maintain information accuracy. This includes the source and any key ideas or meanings conveyed in it.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.