When you need help with a task or two, the first “No” you receive can feel like a brick wall. A study out of Stanford suggests you may have more luck the second time around.
Photo by andjohan.
The study showed that when the participants asked strangers for help with one task, they were more likely to say no than they were to refuse a second request for a favour in that very same conversation.
Those asking for favours tend to focus on how burdensome the request is, the researchers sensibly hypothesized, while those being asked for help are more aware of the discomfort of saying no. The result, the research shows, is those in need of help tend to stop asking for it after the first no, whilst those in a position to help are MORE likely to grant a favour if they’re asked twice.
As long time Lifehacker readers know, one of the best ways to get what you want is to just ask. However it may be the case in some situations that the only thing better than asking is asking twice.
Comments
2 responses to “Ask For Help A Second Time For Better Results”
Yeah I ask twice in my business life.
It’s amazing how frequently and easily a no become a yes. With no requirement for an effort of persuasion. Just a simple repeat of the same basic request.
It’s like a Jedi mind trick.
So no doesn’t mean no?