Crisis Negotiation Skills Every Leader Needs | Negotiate X Podcast

In Episode 19 of Negotiate X in Rewind, retired SWAT hostage negotiator Scott Tillema joins hosts Nolan and Aram to explore the crisis negotiation skills every leader needs. Scott explains why influence begins with human connection and shares the four principles that guide every high-stakes negotiation: understanding, timing, delivery, and respect. Drawing on years of crisis response experience, he shows how these principles help leaders communicate with clarity, patience, and purpose.

The four principles behind influence: Scott explains that influence is built on connection rather than commands. Understanding means listening to words, tone, emotion, and body language. Timing requires patience and recognizing when emotions must settle before offering direction. Delivery shapes how messages land under stress. Respect acknowledges emotion and helps people feel valued and autonomous.

Crisis negotiation skills for everyday leadership: Scott emphasizes that these principles apply far beyond policing. Leaders influence outcomes every day, and ego often blocks progress. Clear goals, an openness to “no,” and listening without defensiveness build trust and improve decision-making.

Why process matters more than words: When asked what “magic phrase” makes someone surrender, Scott explains there is none. Crisis negotiation is a process of patient conversation. He shares how earned progress creates meaningful outcomes and why listening is an active, disciplined skill that reduces emotional intensity.

Teaching influence through practice: Scott notes that skills like patience and respect can be taught, but improvement requires commitment. Like fitness, communication grows through steady repetition. Most people communicate often but practice rarely, making deliberate training essential for real influence.

Key takeaway: Effective leadership begins with influence, not authority. When leaders listen with patience, communicate with intention, and treat people with dignity, they build trust that strengthens teams, resolves conflict, and leads to better outcomes.

Watch now to learn the crisis negotiation skills that can elevate your leadership. If this episode resonated, like the video, leave a comment, and share it with your network. And do not forget to subscribe to the Negotiate X Podcast for more expert insights.

#NegotiateX #Negotiation #Leadership #ScottTillema #CrisisNegotiation #Communication #Influence