I have been on the road a bit and caught two unique strategies, both have been discussed before, but are worth mentioning. I was in a board meeting with a few people this past week and saw a silent strategy played out to its fullest. Two parties were negotiating “changes” to a project. One party set still/silent and just watched the other party dig a hole that they could not get out of. It was a basic strategy of defense that left them with nothing to do but wait until the arbitrator had heard enough nonsense…
The next strategy is unique. It is the “play dumb” strategy. Basically you act as if you aren’t the smartest guy in the room and bring everyone down a few levels. You let them feel “comfortable” around you. You say things that loosen the mood, but give nothing away of yourself. Once the others feel as if they are around an insignificant person they begin to give up all of their knowledge. The guy who played this move took away a wealth of knowledge he needed while the others in the room ignored him enough to give up all of their strategies.
No matter what strategy you choose to use in life, make sure it works for you.
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November 11th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Those are two that I haven’t really thought about. Another one I know is when you’re talking to someone on the phone or in person, and they’re answering a question, or telling you something, and you don’t say anything in response. This creates a super awkward silence that the other person will try to fill by saying whatever they can. I hate it when people use that on me! I know better now though!