Log in or create a free Rosenverse account to watch this video.
Log in Create free account100s of community videos are available to free members. Conference talks are generally available to Gold members.
We Need To Talk: Managing Ludicrous Requests at Work (Part 3 of 3)
Summary
Have you ever faced work requests that seem impossible, frustrating, or just plain absurd? Whether they stem from intentional boundary-pushing or a lack of understanding, these demands can put you in a tough spot. In this session, Joshua Graves, author of We Need To Talk: A Survival Guide for Tough Conversations will explore practical strategies for handling ludicrous requests with a level head. You'll learn how to uncover the motivations behind these requests, assess their impact, and respond in a way that maintains your influence and work-life balance. Through techniques like stakeholder mapping, reframing conversations, and negotiation tactics, you'll discover how to effectively push back on unrealistic demands and strategically accept requests when necessary. Join us for real-world insights and actionable tools to manage these challenging situations with confidence.
Key Insights
-
•
Ludicrous requests often arise from pressure or misunderstanding rather than ill intent.
-
•
The Conversation Pyramid is a flexible framework to structure tough conversations starting from self-checks to shared understanding.
-
•
Anchoring techniques like presenting partial facts or extreme deadlines are common manipulation tactics in requests.
-
•
Psychological safety underpins productive dialogue and helps prevent defensive reactions.
-
•
Asking questions starting with what and how engages logical thinking and reduces defensiveness better than why-questions.
-
•
Stakeholder mapping reveals hidden motivations and helps align conflicting goals strategically.
-
•
Language gaps across disciplines cause many communication failures; banning jargon like 'MVP' can increase clarity.
-
•
Not speaking up about unrealistic requests risks project failure and damages trust.
-
•
Requests from upper management often get distorted as they cascade down, making direct conversations difficult.
-
•
Frequent communication and strong relationships prevent unintentionally passing on unreasonable requests.
Notable Quotes
"Stop writing so much email and do real work."
"They wouldn’t tell us what the requirements were; it was our job to figure it out."
"Progress and innovation happen when you create unrealistic goals, but it goes too far when it's impossible."
"You want to check your motivations and your understanding of the situation before any conversation."
"Psychological safety is key—if folks aren't in the right state, the conversation isn't productive."
"How am I supposed to do that? is a good question to reflect impracticality without defensive triggers."
"Stakeholder mapping helps you see who needs what and align your tactics accordingly."
"If you don't speak up about ludicrous requests, someone will ask why you didn’t say anything."
"Language is imprecise; banning crutch words like MVP forces people to clarify real meaning."
"Every group has their own vocabulary that signals belonging, but jargon can become a barrier to understanding."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"There is no certainty ever in research; qualitative and quantitative approaches complement each other for different purposes."
Anna Avrekh Dr. John Pagonis Klara Pelcl Sina SchreiberExpert Panel: Leading in and with Research
March 10, 2022
"Age carries with it obvious visible differences and lived experience, while race often involves less visible but equally impactful structures."
Megan CamposWhat Did I Miss? The Hidden Costs of Deprioritizing Diversity in User Research
March 12, 2021
"One in five people say they deal with feelings of disconnection and loneliness in the workplace."
Kat VellosOpener: The Other L Word
January 8, 2024
"Question your assumptions. What bubbles are we living in?"
Adrian HowardSturgeon’s Biases
September 25, 2024
"Anticipation involves preparatory actions to manage uncertainty about future conditions."
Nicole AleongFuture Orientations to Everyday Life: Futures Anthropology as a Methodology
March 26, 2024
"Women, people of color, LGBTQ folks, and other minorities are deeply familiar with having to modify bodies and bodily practices as steps for protection and self preservation."
Tamara HaleWar Stories LIVE! Tamara Hale
March 30, 2020
"Slowing down is not inefficiency; it is a commitment to dignity and trust."
Rachael Dietkus, LCSWThe power to heal and harm
March 13, 2025
"We all stand on the shoulders of giants."
Steve PortigalLooking Back…to Look Ahead
March 26, 2024
"Military training focuses on strength and protecting others, not admitting vulnerabilities or asking for help."
Megan Nipe Lyndsay BoothHuman-Centered Design for Engagement: Maturing from Newsletterville to Personalized, One-to-One Messaging
December 8, 2021