The Slide

A management technique called 'The Slide' is described for delivering feedback that someone resists hearing. Instead of repeating the same advice directly, the manager shares a personal story about learning the same lesson themselves. The approach works by sliding up next to the person's discomfort and fear without accusing or lecturing. Prerequisites include having tried multiple direct approaches, believing the person can change, and having personally experienced the same challenge. The example used is delegation — a common struggle for new managers who built their careers on individual technical contributions and fear losing value by giving up responsibility.