Ink and Insights – Medhansh Saha

Negotiate It Right by Kamal Gupta is a practical and insightful guide that focuses on one of the most important yet often overlooked life skills: negotiation. Rather than presenting negotiation as a confrontational or intimidating process, Gupta reframes it as a strategic, learnable skill that anyone can use to advocate for themselves, especially in professional settings.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its clear, rule-based structure. Gupta lays out his ideas through a set of practical rules that guide the reader step by step through the negotiation process. This makes the book easy to follow and apply, even for readers with little or no prior experience in negotiating salaries or job offers. The advice feels realistic and grounded, not theoretical or overly idealistic.

The author draws heavily from his own experience in high-pressure corporate environments, which adds credibility to his arguments. He uses real-life examples to show how individuals can successfully negotiate with large organisations, helping readers understand that power imbalances can be managed with preparation and confidence. These examples make the book engaging and relatable, especially for students and early-career professionals.

Another key strength of the book is its focus on mindset. Gupta emphasises that negotiation is not about being aggressive, but about being informed, prepared, and calm. He encourages readers to understand their own value and to see negotiation as a conversation rather than a conflict. This approach helps reduce fear and anxiety around negotiating, which is a common barrier for many people.

However, the book is primarily focused on career and salary negotiations, so readers looking for in-depth discussion on diplomatic, political, or international negotiations may find the scope somewhat limited. Despite this, the principles discussed can still be applied broadly to many real-life situations.

Overall, Negotiate It Right is a highly useful and motivating book that offers practical advice backed by experience. It is especially valuable for students, young professionals, and anyone who wants to build confidence in advocating for themselves. Kamal Gupta successfully turns negotiation from a source of stress into a skill that can be learned and mastered.