How to Respond to an Unreasonable Request

Unreasonable requests don’t have to be seen as intractable demands. These six strategies can help you respond more effectively and feel more empowered. First, assess the relationship. How (or if) you respond to the individual and how much you decide to try to accommodate the request, will likely depend on your relationship. Also, be curious. Ask open-ended questions about what’s really behind the request to shed light on what the other person really needs (versus what they think they need). Raise awareness. Often, part of the egregiousness of an unreasonable request is that the person making the request has no idea that what they are asking for is unreasonable. And finally, be clear on your boundaries, 0ffer alternative solutions, and let the other person know what would work next time.