Don’t Say This In A Sale
Summary
- When someone makes an unreasonable demand, start by guessing the reason behind their ask. It helps in understanding their true need without saying no.
- Ask if your understanding of their intention behind the request is correct. This opens up a dialogue and keeps the conversation positive.
- If their intention is different from what you guessed, ask for clarification. This keeps the lines of communication open without making them feel rejected.
- Once their intention is clear, propose a solution to meet their real need. This approach helps in aligning on a solution without unnecessary conflict.
- If the first solution doesn’t work for them, offer another one. It’s all about finding a compromise that works for both sides.
- Remember, the goal is to keep trying different options until you get a yes. It’s like taking shots on goal; keep going until you score.
Video
How To Take Action
I would suggest implementing a simple, three-step communication strategy to better handle unreasonable demands or requests. This can improve understanding and cooperation with very little cost or time.
First, when someone makes a request that seems difficult, try guessing the intention behind it. For example, if someone asks for something unusual at work, think about what problem they might be trying to solve. This helps in understanding their true need without outright rejecting the request.
Next, check your understanding by asking, "Is that right?" to confirm if your guess about their intention is correct. If it's not, encourage them to clarify their real need. This keeps communication open and avoids making them feel bad for their request.
Once you know their intention, be ready to propose a solution that directly addresses their need. For instance, if a customer wants a particular service that’s hard to provide, think of an alternative that could meet their needs.
If your solution isn’t what they're looking for, propose another option. Keep offering different solutions until a suitable compromise is found. The key here is persistence. Just like taking multiple shots on goal in a game, keep trying until you find a win-win solution.
This approach is low-cost and easy, and it can significantly enhance relationships in business and personal growth by fostering cooperation and understanding.