JT

I work with this woman who always does the opposite of everything I ask her to do. Or she’ll just ignore me and do nothing at all. I spend most of my day fixing stuff or doing both our jobs. Of course I don’t get paid more for doing this and I’m starting to get really annoyed. What should I do?

T.D.

Dear T.D.

Don’t make requests when you can manipulate. People like choices. Preferable only two. More than that and you’ll only confuse them. Secret Funfact: almost everyone will pick the second choice. Use this to your advantage. Do you want to have a talk now, or a huge brownie sundae with vanilla ice cream, homemade hot fudge sauce, and fresh whipped cream? Should I use the grocery money for this 15 bar triple priming espresso machine, or charge it? Would you like to keep that 50″ plasma TV in your very small living room, or trade for my 32″ that fits much better? Practice this technique on family and friends. When you feel comfortable with your abilities, apply the same technique at work. Soon enough, the entire world will revolve around what you want.

JT