Reframing Negative Statements: Examples Negative Statements A. You are so picky about the quality of the steel. Would it be so bad to order the next lower grade? B. Are you ever needy! Why don't you just broadcast your role in the presentation we did at the training today? C. I insist on keeping those old computer servers around. Will we have to upgrade all of the computers if we take it off-line? D. You're going to take the company down by inserting the economist into engineering decisions. E. Does it ever enter your brain that I could use a little help with this project report? F. I give up. We used to get along so well, but I have no clue how to relate to you now that you're a manager! G. I don't want to give another penny to company fundraisers–I think they spend it all on administrative costs and the needy go without. Reframed Responses A. You're concerned about quality and would like to buy the highest quality available. B. You want to be recognized for the extra effort you made in making the presentation a success. C. You are used to the old servers and worried about whether removing them will require expensive upgrades elsewhere. D. You're concerned about the company’s efficiency and worried that if we initiate a policy of having the economist involved in team meetings we will reduce efficiency. E. You're able to get this report done sooner and you're less frazzled if you can get help with the graphics. F. Your colleague is now a manager and has different needs and interests than he had in the past. G. You would like to ensure that any financial contribution you make for the fundraiser goes to meet the needs of the needy.
J. Reuben Clark Law School, Dispute Resolution - Law 679, Fall Semester, 1998