People don’t like being told what to do, they like feeling in charge. When you let them believe they’re in control, you open the door to collaboration without resistance.
Imagine this: instead of saying, “Here’s our proposal,” you ask, “What do you think would be a fair solution?” Suddenly, they feel empowered, even though you’re still steering the conversation toward your goal.
Pushing your ideas creates friction. Guiding them to your ideas makes them feel like it was their choice all along. It’s like letting them hold the steering wheel while you quietly navigate the route.
Want to try it? Use open-ended questions. Ask things like, “How do you see this playing out?” or “What would success look like for you?” These questions make them feel heard while giving you valuable insights to shape the outcome.
The secret? When they think it’s their idea, they’re more likely to embrace it. Control isn’t about domination—it’s about direction.
