Seasoned parents know that when facing a stubborn child, providing choices works miracles.
“I’m not brushing my teeth!”
“Do you want to brush your teeth before you tuck in your lovey or after?”
“Broccoli is disgusting!”
“Do you want your carrots mixed in with your broccoli or do you want to eat them separately?”
“I hate going to the grocery store!”
“Would you rather wear your crocs to the store or your Lightning McQueen shoes?”
By providing a choice, the child feels empowered and you get them to do what you want (win-win!).
Since it works so well with kids, why not try it on reluctant adults.
“I don’t want to prep the report! (I added the exclamation for fun, but I pray that you don’t work with adults that would make a comment like that with such strong emotions)”
“Would you prefer to create a summary slide deck or lead the verbal update in the meeting?”
“No way I’m finishing it by Friday!”
“Would it work better for you to deliver a draft by Wednesday and finalize by Friday, or complete the full version by Thursday?”
“I’m not using the new tool!”
“Would you like to start with a small pilot project or jump in with full implementation?”
Generalizing the parenting technique to adults is promising.
It wouldn’t be fun to finish without a little ridiculousness.
“I’m not working with Regina!”
“Would you prefer to work with Regina on the chair that swivels or the one that reclines?”
“Team-building is a waste of time!”
“Do you want to do the high ropes course with your colleagues or an escape room by yourself with no keys?”
“I’m not showing up for a 7:00 AM meeting!”
“Would you prefer to meet in the conference room or do you want me to bring the entire team to your bedroom?”
“If I jam the printer, I’m not trying to fix it!”
“Would you rather follow the step by step “Unjamming the Printer” directions on the wall or sacrifice your copying hand to the printer gods?”
“I’m going to continue to expense the toll road!”
“Do you want to take the side streets to work or find yourself with three slashed tires every afternoon?”
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