Tactic 55 of 99
The How Question
Ask “how” and they’ll solve your problem for you.
What it is
Instead of saying no or arguing, you ask an open “how” question. “How am I supposed to do that?” It makes the other person face the problem and think about it from your side. Negotiators call these calibrated questions.
Spot it
Someone keeps asking you “how” questions so you do the thinking and offer the concession.
Counter it
Answer with your own limit. “I don’t know how. That’s for you to figure out if you want this done.”