The 48 Laws of PowerPower

The Kindness That Comes With a Bill

A sudden gift or an honest confession can be the opening move of a con

A small gift lands in your hand. When a bigger request follows, what should decide your answer?

You'll find out

  • The pull behind a free gift
  • A request with its own price
  • An answer that protects your plans

Why it matters

Keep the gift and the decision separate, so a warm moment does not quietly spend your time or trust.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 19 · Zone 3

Play this lesson

Free to play in your browser or on iPhone

More in this zone

  1. 20PowerThe Friend Who Asks Too Many QuestionsFriendly curiosity can be information gathering in disguise
  2. 21ManipulationGuilt Is a LeverIf you suddenly feel you owe someone, ask who put that debt there
  3. 22ComplianceThe Foot in the DoorA small yes can make a larger request easier to accept
  4. 23ComplianceThe Door in the FaceAfter a huge request, a smaller one can feel like a favor
  5. 24FlatteryFlattery Has an AgendaPraise can sway a judgment even when its sales motive is obvious
  6. 25Pressure TacticsUrgency Is a Red FlagPressure to decide immediately can crowd out the checks that protect you
  7. 26ManipulationMoving the GoalpostsWhen the requirements keep changing, your effort can become a chase
  8. 27ManipulationHow Being Manipulated FeelsConfused, guilty or rushed? Those feelings can help you spot pressure