Book SummaryStalling for Time, by Gary Noesner

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Stalling for Time

In Stalling for Time, Gary Noesner shares his experiences as a former FBI hostage negotiator and provides insights into the art of negotiation. He emphasizes the importance of patience, understanding human behavior, and building rapport with subjects to achieve peaceful resolutions. Noesner also discusses the challenges faced by negotiators, including dealing with high-stress situations and balancing the need for tactical responses with negotiation efforts. The book offers valuable lessons for law enforcement professionals and anyone...

Stalling for Time Summary Core Principles of Time-Sensitive Negotiation

Noesner outlines several core principles for time-sensitive negotiation. First, he believes negotiators should understand what motivates the subject and what their aims are. This comprehension helps negotiators convince subjects that violence won't help them achieve their aims. The majority of people holding hostages desire to survive and focus on having their demands fulfilled, so negotiators can use this to persuade them to cooperate.

(Shortform note: Noesner’s focus on what motivates the subject and what their aims are is similar to the approach of motivational interviewing, a counseling technique that helps people change their behavior by exploring their motivations and goals. Research shows that people are more likely to be persuaded by their own reasons for change than by arguments given to them by others.)

Additionally, Noesner suggests negotiators should use the person's ambivalence to their advantage. He explains that although hostage takers may seem suicidal, they often want to live. This ambivalence can be a way to begin negotiations.

(Shortform note: In Suicide by Cop, Vivian...

Stalling for Time Summary Applying "Stalling for Time" Strategies in Crisis Management

Next, we’ll discuss tactical framework and coordination, along with communication and psychological tactics.

Tactical Framework & Coordination

Noesner explains that the Bureau incorporates both bargaining and tactical methods into its approach for managing crises. The commander at the scene, typically the SAC, is responsible for balancing the roles of the various units. The FBI's Special Operations and Research Unit (SOARU) was created to more effectively align the often contradictory approaches of field negotiators and the Bureau's SWAT teams. A surrender outcome is less probable for hostage negotiators without visible force and tactical containment. However, a tactical approach is nearly always more secure and effective when negotiators have created time for the essential steps of strategizing, rehearsal, and execution. The Bureau's negotiation program is known nationwide by police departments as a go-to resource for expert negotiation help 24/7. The FBI's skills in negotiation are also in high demand internationally.

The Rise of SWAT Teams and the Militarization of Police

Not everyone agrees that visible force, tactical containment, and a tactical approach...

Shortform Exercise: Exploring Negotiator Self-Regulation

This exercise explores the concept of negotiator self-regulation, focusing on the ability to maintain self-control in tense situations.

How might a negotiator’s self-control impact the emotions of a person they are negotiating with?