themselves. • Find a reason to give the other person a sincere compliment.
• Center your discussion around the other person's interests. Look for goods that you have in common. • Make the other person feel like the most critical person in the room. Show Respect and Promote Engagement: • Never argue. Be respectful of others' opinions. Don't say, "You're wrong." • Nod your agreement with the other person. Try to phrase points so they can easily say "yes." • Let them do most of the talking and think they came up with good ideas. • Practice empathy, but don't say, "I understand how you feel," unless you've been in the same situation. • Assume the other person has good intentions. • When possible, tell stories to illustrate your points. Avoid Friction: • If the other person makes a mistake, indirectly call it to their attention. Ask for clarification — don't confront. • Be quick to acknowledge your own mistakes. • Avoid sounding dictatorial. Put what you want the other person to do in the form of a question: "Would you be comfortable doing this?" or "Does that sound acceptable?" • Help the other person save face. Never make them feel cornered or defensive. Be interested in what they have to tell you. I almost hear you asking, "But what if I'm uninterested?" Remember, it's a skill that you can develop.
Start by acting interested. Then learn to subtly turn the other
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