Roger Fisher

Roger Fisher (1922-2012) was an influential legal scholar and negotiation expert who served as the Samuel Williston Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. He is best known for developing the concept of "interest-based negotiation" and co-authoring the groundbreaking book "Getting to Yes," which has become a fundamental text in the field of conflict resolution. After serving as a weather reconnaissance pilot in World War II and working on the Marshall Plan, Fisher began his legal career at Covington & Burling, where he argued several cases before the Supreme Court. His experiences during the war and as a litigator led him to focus on finding better ways to resolve conflicts and manage disputes. At Harvard Law School, where he became a professor in 1958, Fisher founded the Harvard Negotiation Project and developed methods for dealing with international conflicts. His work influenced diplomatic negotiations and conflict resolution practices across government, business, and legal sectors. Throughout his career, Fisher authored or co-authored numerous books and articles about negotiation and conflict management, establishing himself as a leading authority in the field. His methods emphasized finding mutual gains rather than adversarial positions, an approach that continues to influence negotiation theory and practice.

Readers consistently praise Fisher's practical, clear approach to negotiation techniques, particularly in "Getting to Yes." Many cite specific examples of applying his methods to resolve workplace conflicts and personal disputes. What readers liked: - Clear, step-by-step frameworks for negotiation - Real-world examples that demonstrate concepts - Focus on practical application over theory - Writing style that breaks down complex ideas What readers disliked: - Some examples feel dated - Later chapters can become repetitive - Basic concepts could be covered more concisely - Limited coverage of emotional aspects of negotiation Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: 4.0/5 (50,000+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.5/5 (2,000+ reviews) One reader noted: "Fisher's methods helped me negotiate a 15% raise by focusing on mutual interests rather than positions." Another wrote: "The principles work in any situation - from international diplomacy to discussing bedtime with my kids." Common criticism comes from readers seeking more advanced techniques: "Good introduction but lacks depth for experienced negotiators."

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (1981) A practical guide to the method of principled negotiation, explaining how to separate people from problems and focus on interests rather than positions.

Getting Together: Building Relationships As We Negotiate (1988) An exploration of how to build working relationships during negotiations while addressing emotions, communication, and trust.

Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate (2005) A detailed examination of how emotions influence negotiations and how to leverage them constructively in reaching agreements.

Getting Ready to Negotiate: The Getting to Yes Workbook (1995) A step-by-step workbook that helps readers prepare for negotiations using the principles from Getting to Yes.

Coping with International Conflict: A Systematic Approach to Influence in International Negotiation (1997) A systematic framework for analyzing and managing international conflicts through structured negotiation approaches.

Beyond Machiavelli: Tools for Coping with Conflict (1994) An analysis of tools and strategies for dealing with difficult negotiations and conflicts in various contexts.

International Conflict for Beginners (1969) An introduction to the basic principles of international conflict resolution and negotiation.

William Ury worked directly with Fisher and co-authored "Getting to Yes," continuing to develop negotiation frameworks and methodologies. His books "Getting Past No" and "The Power of a Positive No" build on Fisher's core principles while focusing on specific negotiation challenges.

Kenneth Cloke specializes in mediation and conflict resolution systems across organizational, legal, and international contexts. His work on resolving workplace disputes and organizational conflicts shares Fisher's emphasis on systematic approaches to conflict resolution.

Bernard Mayer explores conflict from multiple perspectives including psychological, structural, and cultural dimensions. His books "The Dynamics of Conflict Resolution" and "Beyond Neutrality" expand on many concepts Fisher introduced while examining deeper aspects of conflict engagement.

Deborah Kolb focuses on negotiation and leadership with particular attention to gender dynamics in professional settings. Her research and writing extend Fisher's negotiation principles into workplace relationships and organizational change processes.

Christopher Moore develops practical frameworks for mediation and dispute resolution across various contexts. His book "The Mediation Process" provides systematic approaches to conflict resolution that complement Fisher's negotiation methods.