Derek Gaunt on Why Thinking Like a Hostage Negotiator Can Help You Have Better Conversations

Derek Gaunt is a lecturer, author and trainer with over 20 years’ experience in law enforcement as a leader and commander of hostage negotiation teams in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. As a member of the Black Swan Group, he now works as a trainer and personal coach, instructing businesses on how to apply hostage negotiation practices and principles to their world.

In this episode, Newton’s Katie Quarmby talks with Derek to explore how effective negotiation is less about conversational hardball and in fact requires empathy, listening, and understanding

Together they discuss some of the negotiation tactics that can help you have better, more valuable, conversations as a leader; and how accusations audits and the five stages of listening can foster more candid conversations. Plus, why leading with curiosity and seeing the issue (not the person) as your adversary, can drive true resolution in the face of a challenging conversation. 

Newton is an implementation-focussed consultancy with a difference, brimming with people who have a passion for cracking really knotty problems.

Find out more about the way we work at newtoneurope.com, or join the discussion with #NewtonTalks on LinkedIn. 

Newton Talks is a Scenery Studios production, produced by Lina Prestwood, Phil Sansom and Kate McCall. 

Executive Producers for Newton are Kerry Harris and Michelle Bosa-Edwards. 

Original music composed by Tristan Cassel-Delavois and original artwork by YaYa Design. 

Original concept by Fanclub PR.