(From the review)- This book is a concise modern-style textbook
that allows the reader to get substantive content grounded in research and
brought to life by actual examples. The stories are provided in a much more practical
and beneficial manner- ones that are straight to the point while also being
analytical and utilizing a new model. The end result for the non-hostage negotiator
reader is coming away with a firm understanding of what makes negotiators
effective in a specific setting, and if he or she chooses, ample opportunities
to apply it to their work.
Here are some snippets from the review:
Mitchell R. Hammer’s Saving
Lives: The S.A.F.E. Model for Resolving Hostage & Crisis Situations is
a book that discusses a specific, if not niche, area of negotiation and
conflict resolution: law enforcement crisis and hostage negotiations. However, much
of the information Hammer shares in this book is more broadly relevant and
offers value to professionals with experience working in other areas of conflict
resolution. He takes an academic approach that neatly integrates it with
practical and real life examples…
...Hammer describes five emotional distress states encountered in
hostage crisis negotiations, and in other negotiations as well: sadness, fear,
disgust, anger, and shame, each of which has its own “action tendency.” For
example, the action tendency of sadness is to seek help. A negotiator is able to gain influence with the
subject by responding to the emotional distress state and its “action
tendency.”
Hammer explains the value but also the limitations of active listening,
which by itself is not a “magic bullet” to bring about a peaceful resolution... Read the full review here (see page 16)
Fall 2013 |