Controlling the options

Often the act of controlling the options that people can choose between is more powerful than making the final decision. So, instead of spending energy jockeying for position to be the one who gets to decide, figure out how you can make it so that any of the possible outcomes will get you what you want.

Parents do this all of the time when they ask their kids, "do you want peas or broccoli?" The kids love having the choice, but ultimately the parents are happy with either outcome.

On the receiving end, be wary when you're asked to choose between the "lesser of two evils", or when you're told that options may start disappearing; it's likely that someone is trying to restrict your options and there may be a better outcome if you're willing to think outside the box.