I had one today from my MOLA (kinda like MOFO).
"I am not going to argue with you but....."
How can that sentence possibly end in any way other than "I lose".
My strategy;
1) NEVER initiate conversation.
2) If possible, pretend you DIDN'T HEAR what was being discussed, even if there are only the 2 of you in the room.
3) If possible act like you were NOT PART of the conversation. Act SUPRISED if you are forced into the conversation and ask for the entire thing to be repeated, (as you weren't paying attention) that way you may actually defeat the enemy as it will require too much time to backfill the detail ans she may well give up. Alternatively, you'll have time to strategically nod or shake your head at the appropriate points in line with her point of view.
4) Answer only with "Yes", "No" or "I AM NOT SURE". Only use "Yes" or "No" if you are 100% sure which of these is her opinion. Your opinion should be her opinion. Be fully prepared for her to change her opinion, once she realises what your opinion is, so stay fluid and non-commital. Be prepared to switch your view on a dime. At this juncture, use of "I really expressed that badly" works and will likely find support from her.
5) Start most sentences with "YOU ARE RIGHT". Be judicios with the use of "I agree with you" as this can only result in more discussion and a likely move back to point 4.
Can't say it's 100% successful, probably closer to 50% at best, but significantly better than the strategy employed previously which had a negative success rate.
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