Master Negotiator William Ury — Strategies and Stories from Warren Buffett, Nelson Mandela, & More

Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss

104 min, 12 sec

A comprehensive talk with William Ury covering his insights on negotiation, the importance of uncovering interests behind positions, and personal routines for well-being.

Summary

  • William Ury shares his rich experience in negotiation, emphasizing the need to go to the 'balcony', build a 'golden bridge', and engage the 'third side' for effective conflict resolution.
  • He discusses the power of saying 'no' and outlines his concept of a 'positive no'—a strategy to assert one's interests while maintaining respect and relationships.
  • Ury reveals his daily routines, particularly walking, as fundamental to his physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being, and as a catalyst for creativity and problem-solving.
  • The conversation also touches on his new book 'Possible', which encapsulates his life's learnings and offers a framework to approach seemingly impossible conflicts with a possibilist mindset.

Chapter 1

Beginning of the Interview and Personal Introduction

0:00 - 1 min, 16 sec

The opening segment includes a brief personal introduction to William Ury and a discussion on negotiation and conflict resolution.

The opening segment includes a brief personal introduction to William Ury and a discussion on negotiation and conflict resolution.

  • William Ury is introduced as an expert in negotiation and conflict resolution.
  • Ury and the host discuss the role of negotiation in everyday life and the importance of uncovering underlying interests in conflicts.

Chapter 2

The Power of 'No' and Personal Discipline

1:15 - 3 min, 5 sec

William Ury talks about the importance of saying no and how it has contributed to his success, citing an anecdote about Warren Buffett.

William Ury talks about the importance of saying no and how it has contributed to his success, citing an anecdote about Warren Buffett.

  • Ury highlights that saying 'no' is crucial to success, as demonstrated by Warren Buffett's investment strategy.
  • The ability to decline allows for selective yeses that align with one's interests and goals.

Chapter 3

Daily Routines for Well-being and Creativity

4:20 - 3 min, 41 sec

William Ury shares his daily routines that contribute to his physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of walking.

William Ury shares his daily routines that contribute to his physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of walking.

  • Ury walks daily to maintain physical fitness and mental clarity.
  • He views walking as an integral part of human evolution and a practice that fosters creativity.

Chapter 4

The Concept of 'Positive No'

8:00 - 44 min, 40 sec

An exploration of Ury's concept of a 'positive no', a framework for declining requests while preserving relationships.

An exploration of Ury's concept of a 'positive no', a framework for declining requests while preserving relationships.

  • A 'positive no' starts with an affirmative to one's own interests, followed by a clear no, and ends with a positive note.

Chapter 5

Conflict Resolution in International Contexts

52:39 - 51 min, 31 sec

Ury discusses his experience with conflict resolution in international contexts, providing insights into complex negotiations.

Ury discusses his experience with conflict resolution in international contexts, providing insights into complex negotiations.

  • He narrates his involvement in negotiations between a separatist group in Indonesia and the government, highlighting the importance of understanding deeper interests.

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