It’s really so very simple.
You want to advance the discourse in a conversation? OFFER OPTIONS. Yes, simple. OFFERING OPTIONS works in every context, every relationship, over every hurdle.
If it is so simple, why don’t we do it all the time?
When we get “plugged into” a conversation, we have a strong yearning to share our point of view. Mind you, I urge you to have a point of view, especially in a business environment – and allow others to have a different one. Influential folks know their point of view and share it willingly.
Related: How To Be Direct Without Pissing Off The World
Super-influential folks, however, transcend their point of view. They OFFER OPTIONS.
Not one option. No, OPTIONS. When I offer only one option, you and I will get lost in the one-option-debate.
When I offer multiple options, I have put a wider frame-of-possibility around the conversation. Our chat will suddenly propel itself forward. It has to. Here are just a few of the ways in which OFFERING OPTIONS works:
Wanna influence Senior Leaders?
When you’re presenting information to your organization’s Senior Leadership Team, do not simply recite a pack of research data. Do not merely offer one solution. Senior Leadership does not wish to be forced into your one option. When you offer multiple options, you paint a more compelling picture of a potential future landscape. And you let THEM own the decision which you have so compellingly framed.
Wanna have a swell meeting with your boss?
Do not show up at your bi-weekly meeting with your boss asking her to trouble-shoot for you. Don’t waste her time. YOU are getting paid to trouble-shoot. Test options with your boss. Invite your boss to respond to potential options, not to problems.
Wanna fast-forward a conversation that is stuck?
When a conversation at a team gathering is going round and round in circles, don’t participate in the circular conversation. OFFER OPTIONS. Not just one – multiple options. Fresh options. You have instantly widened the circle. The conversation will widen, as well. It must!
Wanna to have an un-strained personal relationship ?
With every decision you make with your spouse – where to dine, what appliance to buy, where to vacation, what gifts to purchase – OFFER OPTIONS. The less you drive a conversation with one option alone, the smoother all of your conversations will be. Faster, as well. Cool, right?
Here’s the short-term effect of OFFERING OPTIONS .
You don’t get stuck in the crap. You don’t generate crap. You’re a crap-undoer. Not a caretaker of others, merely an undoer. Every single person you engage with will appreciate you for that.
The long-term effect.
Folks will seek you out. Because you’re not a crap person, you’re an OPTIONS person. We, in fact, cannot wait to talk to you because you are an OPTIONS person. And we so enjoy engaging with you.
This may not have been your motive for being the one who OFFERS OPTIONS, but you have just become highly influential.
So simple. So powerful.