“Diminishers want to be heard. They want to know that the ideas that they put forth are really good ideas. If you start by acknowledging their worth and that their ideas do have merit, you’ve got a good beginning.” But, Pethel does more than just listen; he makes sure the person knows he is genuinely listening. He faces them and asks, “Do you mind if I take some notes? I like to go back and think about what you said.” He then summarizes what he’s heard and looks for mutual agreement. In the process, the other person becomes less of a Diminisher and more of a partner.
