If you’ve ever wondered how to get more of what you want—at work, at home, or in everyday life—Getting (More of) What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Life is a must-read. Written by acclaimed business professors Margaret Neale and Thomas Lys, this insightful guide unlocks the secrets behind powerful negotiation using cutting-edge research from psychology and behavioral economics. Whether you’re negotiating a major business deal, asking for a raise, or settling daily disagreements, this book reveals actionable strategies for turning every conversation into an opportunity for success.
Unlike typical negotiation books, Neale and Lys go beyond basic tactics. They explore how our minds really work in high-stakes moments—addressing both rational decisions and those quirky, irrational biases we all have. With clear, practical advice, they show you how to recognize hidden cues, avoid leaving value on the table, and confidently advocate for yourself in any situation. If you want to master negotiation and achieve better outcomes, this book is your essential starting point.
Getting (More of) What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Life
Why This Book Stands Out?
- Grounded in Science: Authored by renowned business professors, this book blends cutting-edge research from psychology and economics, offering negotiation strategies you won’t find anywhere else.
- Real-World Relevance: Whether you’re making big business deals or navigating everyday conversations, the techniques here apply to every aspect of life—from boardrooms to family dinners.
- Focus on Human Behavior: Unlike typical negotiation books, it goes beyond logic to tackle the hidden biases and irrational behaviors that often shape our decisions—helping you truly understand what drives people.
- Practical & Actionable: The advice is clear, actionable, and designed for immediate use, empowering you to find hidden value and get better outcomes from every negotiation.
- Endorsed by Experts: With praise from influential thinkers like Chip Heath, it’s trusted as a source of the “best research and advice on negotiation.”
Personal Experience
When I first picked up Getting (More of) What You Want, I was honestly just hoping to get a few tips to help with work-related negotiations. I never expected to find myself reflecting so much on the everyday moments where negotiation shapes our lives—often without us even realizing it. Margaret Neale and Thomas Lys have a way of breaking down the art of negotiation into something not only practical, but deeply human and relatable.
What struck me most was how the book helped me see negotiation not as a battle, but as a conversation—one where both logic and emotion play a role. There were so many real-life scenarios that reminded me of my own experiences: from awkwardly asking for a raise, to those endless debates over household chores. Each situation suddenly felt less daunting when I understood the subtle cues and motivations at play.
- Recognizing Missed Opportunities: I realized how often I leave value “on the table,” whether it’s during salary discussions at work or even just splitting a restaurant bill with friends. The book gave me the confidence to speak up and ask for more, without feeling pushy or uncomfortable.
- Understanding Irrational Behaviors: Learning about the psychological biases that crop up in negotiation made me far more forgiving—both of myself and others. I started to notice these patterns in my own thinking, which made me more mindful during important conversations.
- Applying Strategies in Daily Life: The practical tips are easy to try out, and I found myself experimenting with them everywhere: at the car dealership, while resolving disagreements at home, or even just persuading friends to try a new restaurant. It’s empowering to see tangible results from small changes in approach.
- Feeling Less Alone: There’s a comfort in knowing that negotiation isn’t something reserved for boardrooms or high-stake deals—it’s a skill we all use, and can all improve. The authors’ examples made me feel seen, and encouraged me to keep practicing, even when it felt awkward at first.
If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation wishing you’d gotten more of what you wanted—or simply want to feel more confident navigating life’s many negotiations—this book has something truly valuable to offer. It’s more than a guide; it’s a companion for anyone who wants to better understand themselves and the people around them.
Who Should Read This Book?
Are you looking to become a more effective negotiator, both in your professional and personal life? Getting (More of) What You Want is a must-read for anyone who wants to confidently navigate negotiations—big or small. Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or just hoping to get your kids to do their chores, this book offers practical, research-backed strategies that can help you get better outcomes in any situation.
- Professionals and Business Leaders: If you’re negotiating deals, managing teams, or advocating for a raise, the insights in this book will help you unlock hidden value and gain an edge in every conversation.
- Entrepreneurs and Salespeople: Learn to recognize subtle cues, overcome biases, and maximize every opportunity—whether you’re pitching investors or closing a sale.
- Students and Academics: Gain a fresh perspective on negotiation by exploring the intersection of economics and psychology, with actionable advice you can apply in the classroom and beyond.
- Everyday Negotiators: From buying a car to splitting chores at home, this book is packed with real-world examples and practical tips that make even the most intimidating negotiations approachable.
What makes this book stand out? Margaret Neale and Thomas Lys blend cutting-edge research with relatable stories and easy-to-implement techniques. They take the mystery out of negotiation, showing you how to spot opportunities others miss and claim value that’s often left on the table. If you want to feel more confident, prepared, and successful in your next negotiation—no matter what’s at stake—this book is for you.
Getting (More of) What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Life
Key Takeaways
Curious about how to get more of what you want in everyday life and high-stakes negotiations? Getting (More of) What You Want distills essential lessons from economics and psychology to help you become a more effective negotiator—whether you’re closing a business deal, asking for a raise, or splitting household chores. Here are the key insights you’ll gain from the book:
- Understand Hidden Biases: Learn how unconscious psychological and behavioral biases shape negotiations—and how to use this knowledge to your advantage.
- Move Beyond Win-Win: Discover strategies that go past simple compromises, showing you how to create and claim more value in every negotiation.
- Everyday Negotiations Matter: Recognize that negotiation isn’t just for boardrooms; it’s part of daily interactions, and small wins add up.
- Preparation is Power: Find out why thorough preparation, knowing what you truly want, and understanding the other side’s perspective leads to better outcomes.
- Embrace Rational & Irrational Behavior: Get practical tools for dealing with both logical arguments and emotional reactions, so you’re ready for any scenario.
- Capture Value Left on the Table: The book reveals how most negotiations leave potential gains unclaimed—and shows you how to spot and seize these opportunities.
- Practical, Research-Backed Advice: Benefit from actionable tips rooted in the latest academic research, making even complex negotiation concepts easy to apply in real life.
If you’re looking to sharpen your negotiation skills and achieve better results in any situation, this book offers a clear, insightful roadmap you can put to use immediately.
Final Thoughts
Getting (More of) What You Want is more than just a negotiation handbook—it’s a transformative guide that uncovers the subtle yet powerful dynamics behind every interaction. Drawing from cutting-edge research in psychology and behavioral economics, Margaret Neale and Thomas Lys break down the science of negotiation into practical, actionable strategies anyone can use. Whether you’re navigating high-stakes business deals, asking for a raise, or settling everyday disagreements, this book equips you with the tools to recognize hidden opportunities and maximize value in every conversation.
- Accessible insights from top business professors, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply
- Real-world examples that illustrate how small changes in approach can yield significant results
- Strategies that account for both rational and irrational human behavior, ensuring you’re prepared for any negotiation scenario
- Advice that’s useful for everyone—from seasoned professionals to those new to negotiating
If you want to stop leaving value on the table and start achieving better outcomes in all areas of your life, this book is an essential addition to your library. Don’t miss the chance to transform the way you negotiate and get more of what you truly want.
Get your copy of Getting (More of) What You Want today!