Identifying areas of agreement with the other party whenever possible - especially if he/she does not recognize that such areas of agreement exist.Example: "You know, Conrad, I agree with you that we ought to make time management more of a priority for our office in the future."
Allowing the other party to "let off steam." Note: This requires extreme self-control, but if the other party has not expressed him/herself previously, this can be extremely valuable.
Avoiding assumptions.Example: "Could you help me understand why having these specific days off is so important to you?"
Indicating that the other party "has a good point" when he/she makes a point you believe has merit.Example: "You're absolutely right about x."
(Adapted from “Eliciting Cooperation” by Tom Sebok, University of Colorado, Boulder. Used with permission.)