In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, host Andy Lopata welcomes Greg Williams, ‘The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert.’ With 30+ years of experience, Greg has trained and consulted in 19 countries, helping people enhance their value and get more from every negotiation. A Harvard-trained negotiator, cited by Forbes, and ranked among the world's top 30 gurus in negotiation and body language, he's a celebrated author, speaker, and trainer. Greg's insights come from a wealth of experience, including advising top 50 corporations, contributing to major news networks, and even consulting on the TV show Love & Hip Hop New York. As a member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches, Greg's expertise is trusted by world leaders and public figures, and he lives by the motto: 'You're always negotiating!'” Greg shares his expertise on how to effectively read and utilise body language during negotiations. He highlights the importance of establishing a baseline for an individual's nonverbal communication in a relaxed setting before assessing their gestures under pressure. Greg emphasises that body language cues are best interpreted as a cluster, not individually, to avoid misinterpretations. He also discusses the crucial role of focusing on the other party's needs, and the power of using strategic pauses and asking questions. Greg and Andy discuss how to identify deception, manage aggressive negotiators and adapt body language understanding across diverse cultures, emphasising the importance of cultural awareness. Additionally, the conversation extends to virtual negotiations, where body language signals can be even more pronounced and how empathetic technology is set to change the future landscape of how we negotiate. What we discussed The Importance of the Baseline: Greg reveals how establishing a "normal" for someone is crucial to accurately interpreting their body language. This insight alone could revolutionise how you approach every conversation. Strategic Interpretation of Body Language: Learn how to avoid overthinking single cues and the importance of interpreting clusters of gestures for a clearer understanding of what’s really being said, beyond the words. Self-Awareness and Presence: How to shift focus from your needs to the needs of the other person—a powerful strategy that unlocks more collaborative results. Cultural Sensitivity: Crucial tips for navigating different cultural norms. Technological Impact: Uncover the future of negotiations through Greg’s insights on how empathetic technology will impact the professional landscape in the future and the ethical considerations to keep in mind. SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube Connect with Greg Williams: Website |LinkedIn |YouTube | X | Facebook greg@themasternegotiator.com The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring Episode 139 Featuring Kevin Gaskell
