Negotiation is a skill that separates average business professionals from exceptional ones. The best negotiators are not the most aggressive — they are the most prepared. Understanding your counterpart's motivations, knowing your walk-away point, and building genuine rapport are foundational. Tactical empathy, a concept popularized by former FBI negotiator Chris Voss, teaches us to acknowledge emotions to defuse tension and create collaborative outcomes. Practice these skills in everyday conversations to sharpen your edge.