For a lot of people, the idea of negotiating feels uncomfortable—something to avoid if possible. It can feel confrontational, awkward, or even risky. But what if negotiating didn’t have to be that way? What if it wasn’t about pushing harder or being more aggressive—but simply about asking better questions? It turns out that the most effective negotiators don’t rely on pressure or persuasion nearly as much as you might think. Instead, they guide conversations in a way that uncovers what really matters to the other person—and to themselves. And that shift can completely change the outcome. Alexandra Carter, Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School, has spent years teaching people how to negotiate more effectively. In her book Ask for More: 10 Questions to Negotiate Anything (https://amzn.to/2T6WaY8), she outlines a simple but powerful framework built around asking the right questions at the right time. In our conversation, she explains how this approach works, why it’s often more effective than traditional negotiating tactics, and how you can use it in everyday situations—from work conversations to personal decisions—without feeling uncomfortable or confrontational. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AQUA TRU: Take the guesswork out of pure, great-tasting water. Head to ⁠https://AquaTru.com⁠ now and get 20% off your purifier using promo code SYSK. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. POCKET HOSE: For a limited time, when you purchase a new Pocket Hose Ballistic, you'll get a FREE 360 degree rotating pocket pivot and a FREE thumb drive nozzle! Just text SYSK to 64000 RULA: This Mental Health Awareness Month, don’t just think about your mental health - actually take the step to take care of it. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Rula.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. QUINCE: Refresh your everyday with luxury you will actual use! Go to ⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! SHOPIFY: It's time to turn those "what ifs" into CHA CHING with Shopify Today! Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLANET VISIONARIES : We love the Planet Visionaries podcast! In partnership with The Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you are listening to this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices