Small changes in how you ask that get people to say yes, open up, or give you the real answer.
Don’t ask open questions. Offer a 20%-baked plan or a slightly wrong default and let people correct it.
“Any advice?” gets specific ideas. “Any feedback?” gets polite vagueness.
After someone answers, wait three seconds before speaking. They’ll fill the gap with what they really think.
To win over someone cold, borrow something small from them. People like those they’ve helped.