Bruce Patton

Bruce Patton is a world-renowned author, successful entrepreneur, and sought-after inspirational speaker and consultant. He is best known for his iconic book, “Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving In”. Although the book has sold more than two million copies and been translated into more than twenty languages, Patton's written works extend further beyond this remarkable achievement.

One of the premier names in the field of negotiation, Bruce Patton has helped shape the thinking for thousands of businesses, industry and government leaders around the world. His ideas to bridge people who are in conflict still carries a broad reach and deep impact. Even when the situation looks unlikely, he advocates for practical solutions with constant emphasis on reaching affordable agreements.

The path to becoming an influential figure in negotiation and conflict resolution seemed far away when Bruce Patton began his academic and professional career. He grew up in the suburbs of New York and graduated summa cum laude from Amherst College with a degree in Political Science. He then spent a year in Puerto Rico studying economics, but soon chose to move to Washington DC to pursue a degree in law. In 1976, he graduated from Harvard Law School and then clerked for a prominent federal judge.

During his career Patton has not only established himself as a relentless advocate for win-win strategies, he also has conducted pioneering research. From the start of his legal practice in the late 70s, working for the law firm Dewey & LeBouef, to his role as co-founder of the Harvard Negotiation Project, Patton has shaped the field with his well-developed methods. From the project's headquarters at Harvard, Patton and colleagues created a foundational approach to negotiation. This method was profoundly successful and became the basis for the book Getting to Yes.

Patton has taught negotiation and influenced businesses, mediators, and politicians alike with his negotiating framework. Hundreds of organizations have sought his advice while countless students have taken his negotiations classes. He also serves as a negotiation advisor to associations and non-profit organizations throughout the United States.

Patton is the co-author of several other books, including "Beyond Reason: Using Emotions as You Negotiate" and "Dealing with An Angry Public: The Mutual Gains Approach to Resolving Disputes". He is currently a professor at Harvard Law School and a co-head of the Harvard Negotiation Project. He serves on the boards of various organizations such as Public Conversations Project, Ethics Resource Center and Association for Conflict Resolution.

Bruce Patton has been an instrumental part in the development and evolution of negotiation strategies for decades. His written works, classes and consulting have helped shape how organizations and leaders tackle conflicts of all sizes. He remains a pioneer in the field and provides a reliable framework for creating lasting agreements without giving in. His book, Getting to Yes, remains one of the most essential guides in negotiation and should be part of every negotiator's toolkit.