Want to get someone's help?
If you don't know them well, vague asks like these are doomed to fail:
1. Will you chat with me about my career?
2. Will you be my mentor?
3. Will you give me advice on how to improve my work?
Instead,... See more
A phrase I heard recently and found useful: I agree with the idea, but I disagree with the tone.
Many ideas get dismissed because they are delivered in a cocky or hostile or dismissive tone—or because of who delivers them.
Separate substance from style.
Here are social psychologist Anatol Rapoport’s rules for criticizing something:
You should attempt to re-express your target’s position so clearly, vividly, and fairly that your target says, “Thanks, I wish I’d thought of putting it that way.”
You should list any points of agreement (especially if they are... See more