This is how to avoid overreacting to ugly problems and annoying complaints
In this PinkCast episode, Daniel Pink shares a concise three‑word response—“tell me more”—that he learned from two authors, Amanda Ripley (High Conflict) and Dan Coyle (The Culture Code). He explains that our instinct when faced with a problem or grievance is to jump straight to answers, solutions, or defenses, but that this often isn’t optimal. By simply saying “tell me more,” we achieve two key outcomes: we gather additional information and we signal genuine listening. Listening satisfies the human need to be heard, which can defuse anger and resentment, and often leads the complainant to work toward their own solution. Pink urges viewers to resist the urge to intervene immediately, to “jump back” and ask for more, promising that this habit improves problem‑solving, reduces tension, and helps build a healthier culture.
