“Master the Art of Influence: 7 Phrases That Turn Tension into Triumph with Difficult People”
Instead of getting defensive or arguing back, ask them directly: “What would you like me to do?”
This question forces them to shift from venting to thinking. It puts the responsibility back on them to come up with a reasonable request.
And many times, they’ll realize that what they’re asking for isn’t actually realistic—or that they don’t even know what they want.
Studies on negotiation show that people are more likely to cooperate when they feel like they have some control over the outcome.
