COMMUNICATIONWeeks to result

Finding Black Swans Framework

Identifying hidden information

Problem it solves

poor communication

Best for

High-stakes negotiations

Not ideal for

Low-stakes negotiations

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Finding Black Swans Framework is a tool used to identify hidden information and create a more collaborative and trustworthy negotiation environment. By being open and curious, and asking questions, you can identify potential black swans and use them to inform your negotiation strategy.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Be open and curious
  2. Ask questions
  3. Identify potential black swans

Steps

3 steps
  1. Be Open and Curious
    Be open and curious in the negotiation, asking questions and seeking to understand the other party's perspective.
    Pro tipUse open-ended questions to encourage the other party to share information.
    WarningBe careful not to come across as too aggressive or confrontational, as this can create a negative reaction.
  2. Ask Questions
    Ask questions to identify potential black swans and inform your negotiation strategy.
    Pro tipUse calibrated questions to encourage the other party to share information.
    WarningBe careful not to ask too many questions, as this can create a negative reaction.
  3. Identify Potential Black Swans
    Identify potential black swans and use them to inform your negotiation strategy.
    Pro tipUse the identified black swans to create a more collaborative and trustworthy negotiation environment.
    WarningBe careful not to rely too heavily on the identified black swans, as this can create a negative reaction.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
High-Stakes Negotiation

In a high-stakes negotiation, using the Finding Black Swans Framework can help to identify hidden information and create a more collaborative and trustworthy negotiation environment.

OutcomeThe negotiation is successful and both parties reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Low-Stakes Negotiation

In a low-stakes negotiation, using the Finding Black Swans Framework may not be necessary, as the potential consequences of the negotiation may not be as significant.

OutcomeThe negotiation is successful, but the use of the Finding Black Swans Framework may not have been necessary.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Not Being Open and Curious
Not being open and curious can lead to missing potential black swans and creating a negative reaction.
Not Asking Enough Questions
Not asking enough questions can lead to missing potential black swans and creating a negative reaction.
Not Identifying Potential Black Swans
Not identifying potential black swans can lead to missing opportunities and creating a negative reaction.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Finding Black Swans Framework was developed by Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator, as a way to identify hidden information and create a more collaborative and trustworthy negotiation environment.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Chris Voss Teaches the Art of Negotiation
Workbook - MasterClass, Chris Voss · 2019
Open source →