The Surprising Moments at Work When Saying Nothing Could Be Your Smartest Move—According to Psychology
There’s a natural urge to fill awkward pauses, especially when the stakes are high. But those who can sit with the silence often come out ahead.
When you make an offer or state your position, resist the temptation to keep talking. Let the other person process it.
More often than not, they’ll speak first—and that can give you valuable insight into their thoughts. In negotiations, that means knowing when to stay quiet and let the silence do some of the work for you.
The next time you’re at the table, try holding back instead of rushing to fill the gap. You might find that silence speaks louder than any argument you could make.
