A colleague asks for something that costs you time. Navigate the art of reciprocity without becoming a doormat or a scorekeeper.
Part of
Everyday Negotiation →
From splitting a check to negotiating a raise, master the micro-negotiations that shape your daily life and compound into massive outcomes over time. You'll navigate four escalating scenarios — from the overcharge to the collaborative split — practicing the decisions that matter most when the pressure is real and the stakes are personal. This isn't theory. It's practice for the moments that define how this chapter of your life unfolds.
Skills you'll build
What happens in this story4 scenarios
A colleague catches you in the hallway and asks for a favor that will cost you your entire evening. The word "sure" is already forming before your brain catches up.
You hesitate instead of saying yes automatically, and the silence between you feels enormous. For the first time, you notice the assumption that your time is less valuable.
They sweeten the ask with flattery — you are the only one who can do this. You recognize the pattern and feel the pull between being helpful and being used.
You offer a counteroffer that respects both of you. The relationship does not crack — it gets more honest. Turns out boundaries are not walls, they are bridges with guardrails.
More stories in this course
View all →The Overcharge
Your bill is wrong but confrontation feels excessive. Learn that advocating for yourself in small moments builds lifelong confidence.
4 scenarios →The Upgrade Request
You want something better — a seat, a rate, a deal. Discover that asking is a skill, not an imposition.
4 scenarios →The Collaborative Split
When resources are limited and everyone has valid needs, find the creative third option that nobody saw coming.
4 scenarios →The Favor Exchange
A colleague asks for something that costs you time. Navigate the art of reciprocity without becoming a doormat or a scorekeeper.
Start free →4 scenarios · 25 min · No account required to try