Let the other person do a great deal Meaning Factcheck Usage

Context

In the book, this isn’t just a random tip. It’s part of a larger framework for human relations. It follows principles like “Become genuinely interested in other people” and sets the stage for “Talk about your own mistakes first.” The context is clear: to win people to your way of thinking, you must first understand theirs.

Usage Examples

So how does this work in the real world? Let me give you a couple of scenarios I’ve seen play out a hundred times.

• In a Sales Call: Instead of launching into your product’s features, you start with, “Tell me about the biggest challenge your team is facing right now.” And then you just… listen. They’ll literally tell you exactly what you need to say to close the deal.
• In a Heated Discussion: When tensions are high, the instinct is to talk louder and faster. The pro move? Say, “Help me understand your perspective on this.” And then let them talk it out. Half the time, they’ll talk themselves into a more reasonable position, and you’ll understand the real root of the problem.
• For Leaders & Managers: In your next one-on-one, try spending 80% of the time listening. Ask open-ended questions and resist the urge to immediately problem-solve. You’ll be shocked at the insights and the loyalty you generate.

Common Questions

Question: Doesn’t this make you seem weak or unprepared?
Answer: Actually, it’s the opposite. It takes immense confidence and control to listen deeply. It shows you’re secure enough not to need the spotlight.

Question: What if the other person just doesn’t talk?
Answer: Great question. That’s where your skill comes in. You use open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a “yes” or “no.” Questions that start with “How,” “What,” or “Tell me about…” are your best friends here.

Question: Is this just about waiting for your turn to talk?
Answer: No, and this is the critical distinction. That’s fake listening. This is about genuine, empathetic listening with the goal to understand, not just to reply. Your body language and follow-up questions have to show you’re truly engaged.

Question: Who benefits most from this principle?
Answer: Honestly, everyone. But it’s an absolute superpower for salespeople, managers, negotiators, customer service reps, and honestly, anyone in a relationship. It’s a fundamental human skill.