Sometimes in the news, you see a headline that makes you stop and say; WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HELL? Such it is with this story from the New York Post.
The information in the article seems sound and could even be applied in a work setting. As far as the “why?” this was written; I’ll leave it up to you all. There is some “training value” to this, but as far as using this on my family?….I don’t know.
Project the blame
“The golden rule of interrogation is that nothing is anybody’s fault,” Floyd says. “If someone stole something, blame it on the bad economy. Maybe he was dealt a hard hand in life. Spreading the blame shows that you understand his side of the story.”
Sympathize with the accused
Did a colleague muck up a big project? Let him know he’s not alone. “Tell him that we all make mistakes,” Floyd says. “This will make [him] feel less anxious and more likely to tell you what really happened.”
Choose a neutral setting
Instead of inviting your employee to your office to chat, “bring her to a place where she’d feel comfortable sharing information against her own self-interest,” Floyd says. “Maybe pick a coffee shop near the office.”
Emphasize telling the truth
Being a mediator instead of an accuser can solve the situation. “Tell him that he can’t change what happened, but he can make it right,” Floyd says. “When he sees that you’re not someone who’s out to get him, it’s easier to get the information that you need.”