My team arranged to have a meeting at the lobby. In order to enter the building, we had to scan our identity card. I rushed to leave my apartment and left my card at home. I was refused entry by the security card. I explained my situation, and she referred me to the front desk to get approval.
At the front desk was a lady in her late thirties. She was busy sorting out a stack of documents.
“Hi, I’ve forgotten to bring my card. Is there a way I can get into the building? I have an important meeting to attend.”
She shook her head in a really dramatic manner and said “No, I can’t help you.”
I began to think of alternatives. I didn’t bring my phone so I was not able to drop my friends a call.
“How about this, I will leave my laptop with you. Let me into the building and I will get my friend out to sign me in.”
“No, you can’t do that. I will not let you in no matter what. This is the rule of the building.”
“Yes, I understand that it’s the rule of the building. I really have a very important meeting and I’m late …Can you make an exception just for this time round?”
“No.” She was really firm.
So I asked her “If you were me, what would you have done?”
“I will go back home and get my card. This is the rule. No one can change the rule. Sorry, I can’t let you in”
“What if YOU live an hour away?” I pursued.
-Pause-
She knew that I was not going to go away and I was really persistent.
“I didn’t mean to be nasty but I really can’t do that,” she said in an apologetic manner. This was my chance.
I kept quiet and looked at her. She became really uncomfortable with the silence and avoided eye contact with me. Finally, she succumbed.
“Alright, I will make an exception this time just for you. I will sign you in with my own card.”
Bingo!
Can you identify the tools I used?
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