You're Not Listening Technique - Office Politics Pitfalls

The art of pretending to listen while actually preparing your response.

When in office politics, it's essential to master the art of appearing attentive, but actually, you're just mentally preparing your rebuttal. It's all about maintaining a veneer of interest while secretly counting down the minutes until you can escape the meeting.

Here are some tips on how to pull off this delicate balancing act:

1. Maintain Eye Contact (While Staring into the Void)

• Stare intensely into the eyes of your colleague, as if mesmerized by their every word.
• Don't blink; it's a sign of weakness.

2. Nod Vigilantly (While Planning Your Counter)

• Nod your head in agreement, even if you have no idea what they're talking about.
• It's a sign of intellectual alignment, not actual comprehension.

3. Ask Questions (While Planning Your Escape)

• Ask questions that seem thoughtful, but are actually designed to stall for time.
• It's a clever tactic to keep the other person talking while you mentally prepare your next move.

4. Paraphrase (While Changing the Subject)

• Repeat back what the other person said, but with a subtle twist.
• It's a masterclass in misdirection, allowing you to steer the conversation towards your desired topic.

Remember, the key to this technique is to appear engaged without actually being present. Practice makes perfect, so start honing your skills today!

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