I love leftovers
and I love meatloaf
So today's leftover meatloaf for lunch was a highlight to my first Thursday of 2024.
All of that is beside the point however, as this post and image is about #changemanagement & #negotiation 👇 👇
Last night, my 6 year old demolished her meatloaf in an attempt to extricate every diced onion from the dish --- strike 1 for her.
She proceeded to separate every almond from her green beans --- strike 2
Then, she had the audacity to ask for dessert because in her view she 'finished' her dinner --- that's strike 3.
I promptly expressed that I was aghast at her behavior (although I'm quite certain "aghast" wasn't the precise verbiage of choice... anywho...) That was strike 1 for me - she was unphased
I then tried logic (strike 2 for dad)
and guilt - as mom had worked hard on dinner. Let's call that a foul tip - as it wasn't a hit but I didn't strike out either...
Finally, I relented by saying "Yes, you can have dessert" *
but added an analogous twist** by saying "but you need to pick off every single sprinkle from your cookie, just like the onions and almonds from dinner"***
Without saying another word, she promptly gathered all the almonds and onions into one large bite and devoured them **** #dadforthewin
Four lessons here for those seeking to exert influence:
* Collaboration beats confrontation every time
** Use analogy to get your point across - the decision to act is more emotionally driven than logically driven
*** Make the pain of status quo greater than the pain of change
**** When making the first offer in a negotiation, set an aggressive anchor -
Office Manager at OX Seven Talent Partners
3wYou’re obliged to share the peach one with me forever.