"Is it easier than it seems?"

Hello  

Perhaps it’s because over the years I’ve played a lot of golf but my right hand grip is pretty strong.

And so...

With a group of friends I asked them if they could get a banknote out of my tightly clasped right hand.

The first one...

Tried in vain to pull my fingers apart – struggling and straining and tugging and twisting – it didn’t work!

The second one...

Tried a different tactic – squeezing my wrist in the hopes the diminished blood supply would finally get my hand to open and release the money – it didn’t work!

The third one...

Tried a different approach and grabbed me (somewhat playfully) around the neck and tried to strangle me into submission – it didn’t work!

Finally...

The fourth friend realised there must be an easier way – and simply asked, “Peter –will you open your hand and give me the money?”

“Yes, of course” I smiled and did so!

And so...

I’ve been wondering if you and I have been struggling and straining, tugging and twisting, squeezing and strangling in our attempts to persuade our customers to part with their money – when perhaps an appropriately phrased question just might have produced a mutually agreeable answer.

I’ve also...

Been thinking if we might have been making the same mistakes in our various and numerous relationships with those even closer to us than our customers or clients? Partners, children, friends, colleagues – everyone.

Of course...

The question will have to be a good one; easy to ask and easy to answer – and asked at precisely the right moment – but maybe with some practice and the timing of a world-class comedian we might just get both parties to laugh out loud whilst saying ‘Yes’!

Will you ease the pressure and sweetly ask?

Yes? – me too

Go on then...

Peter Thomson

Editor and "Please may I have it?" Publisher

tgiMondays
 

PS: Feedback, comments and reciprocated "Seasonal Greetings" to: peter@tgimondays.com