The Art of Persuasion (Collection)

Don’t Make Empty Threats

Or indeed any threats. That’s not nice. But for your own sake don’t say, imply, or threaten that if the other person doesn’t do what you want you’ll quit your job, or never help them again, or not be their friend, or never speak to them in the playground—well, that’s how childish it is. Not only that, it’s counter-productive.

For one thing they may call your bluff. You’re going to feel pretty aggrieved if your boss says “fair enough then, you’ll have to find another job.” Now you’ve either got to do so, or lose face by staying anyway. And not only that—if you stay your boss now knows they can say no to you with impunity.

Threats cause bad feeling, and the other person is far more likely to say no to you next time if she ...