Just for you !

My last blog was about how it is beneficial for you to be comfortable with awkward silence so that you improve the chances of having your way. This blog happens to be about some of the political games that people in the office and people in the general society also play. Let someone else fight and get something and then I will come and take my share: I think the heading is self-explanatory. This applies more to social contexts rather than the office context. Ignore and make them come to you: This happens more at (my!) home. When I try to tell or ask the wife or son something, they act busy and don't show interest. So if I start discussing my son on something my wife comes and automatically shows interest and vice versa. As a subordinate: Keep quiet in the call where seniors are present and major discussions and decisions happen. Then come on instant messenger or in private tell your contradicting or opposite opinion. As a Manager:  Main thing as a manager is that you should op...

Have read a few things about the silent pauses in meetings (I think it's common in Apple) where there will be periods of silence in meetings where the attendees are thinking. Mostly, as far as my experience goes, it is not very common. I have been in some of the meetings where there will be a period of silence when a particular person has to talk and when we say " David ... are you there?", he would say " I am thinking..." Since this kind of silences is not very common in meetings, people usually do not expect it. But it is also a powerful negotiating technique. Suppose you are negotiating with someone, and you want A and the counterparty wants B, you are in a deadlock. If both of you are experienced negotiators (or smart businessmen or politicians), there should be a silence, and each party will expect the other party to break it first. And it will get a bit long and awkward. If you feel awkward with the silence and jump in to say something, usually you comprom...