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Book Review: Beyond Reason by Roger Fisher and Daniel Shapiro

"Beyond Reason" was recommended to me by several colleagues and has been on my reading list for some time. When I finally got the chance to dive in, I wasn’t exactly blown away, but I did find value in its pages. As someone deeply engaged in negotiation and conflict resolution, I approached this book with high expectations. The beginning, however, was somewhat underwhelming. Many of the early examples felt basic and uninspiring—particularly for those already familiar with the intricacies of negotiation. For readers like me, it didn’t add much to what I already knew.

But I’m glad I stuck with it because as the book progresses, it does improve. The central idea that stands out is the role of emotions in negotiation. Fisher and Shapiro argue that emotions aren’t just tools we use; they are part of who we are when we enter a negotiation. This is a critical distinction. Understanding and managing emotions—our own and those of our counterparts—is key to achieving successful outcomes. The book encourages readers to map the emotional landscape, both within themselves and their negotiation partners, which is a valuable takeaway.

The most captivating part of the book, however, comes in the epilogue. Former Ecuadorian President Jamil Mahuad shares his personal experience negotiating a peace treaty with Peru. This real-life example was not only fascinating but eye-opening. I hadn’t known about this significant, history-making negotiation, and the peaceful resolution between the two nations was an unexpected but refreshing highlight. It’s always a thrill to learn about large-scale conflicts that are resolved without further bloodshed, and Mahuad’s reflections are a fitting conclusion to the book.

In summary, "Beyond Reason" is not without its flaws, and for someone well-versed in negotiation, parts of it might feel redundant. However, it is worth the read if you enjoy the genre or are looking for a fresh perspective on the emotional dynamics of conflict resolution. Just be prepared to push through the slower sections to get to the richer material.