Getting past no

Prompt:

Come up with strategies to talk with people who follow rules too closely to get what you want

Response:

1. Explain the reasoning behind your request: Provide logical arguments to support your position and help the person understand why their strict adherence to the rules may not be necessary in this particular situation.
2. Appeal to their sense of empathy: Show how your request would benefit others and help the person see the human side of the situation.
3. Offer a compromise: Suggest a middle ground solution that meets both your needs and the person’s need to follow rules.
4. Ask for their help: Frame your request as a problem you need help with and ask the person to use their discretion in finding a solution.
5. Highlight the consequences: Point out the negative consequences of not making an exception in this situation and help the person understand the urgency of your request.
6. Provide an alternative solution: If the person remains resistant, offer a different approach that still achieves your goal but does not violate the rules as strictly.
7. Build rapport and establish trust: Develop a good relationship with the person, and demonstrate that you respect their need to follow rules, which can increase their willingness to make exceptions for you in the future.