Everyone is looking for the magic bullet, the secret words that will make our spouse melt, our co-worker cooperate and our customer giggle with glee as they sign on the dotted line.
After 20 years as a sales and business coach and a decade spent helping people with their personal relationships, I’ve discovered that in most situations, the secret statement is rarely a statement.
It’s a question.
Nothing is more exciting or affirming than someone who is sincerely interested in us, and the best way to demonstrate interest is by asking questions.
It’s ironic. On an emotional level, we all know how wonderful it feels to have someone take a sincere interest in us. We immediately engage, we feel comfortable and we share more information.