In a recent study, participants were asked to go out in NYC and ask random strangers to…
- Fill out a survey – they estimated that 25% of strangers would do it, but 50% did
- Borrow a cell phone – they estimated that 30% would say yes, but 48% did
- Be walked to a nearby gym – they estimated 14%, but 43% did
Sometimes we underestimate others’ willingness to help. We tend to focus on the costs of saying yes, overlooking the costs of saying no.
The whole is greater than the sum of the parts, all you have to do is ask.
Study found in Adam Grant‘s book, “Give and Take, A Revolutionary Guide to Success.”