"We have many other things going for us."
When Mrs. Poole and Derrick met with the principal, they came with more than their initial idea—let's make a nature trail. They found that to be too easy for the principal to say no to.
Mrs. Poole and Derrick used a different strategy. They started the conversation by talking about the importance of the nature trail for students and their learning. They knew learning, particularly science learning, was one of the principal's main priorities.
Mrs. Poole then went on to say that she knew money for a nature trail was, indeed, a problem for the school. She wanted to make sure the principal knew that she had heard him. However, she did not let this part of the conversation go on for very long.
She interjected: "While we do not have money for this project, we have many other things going for us." Mrs. Poole and Derrick shared the list of resources they had come up with.
The principal seemed a little surprised at the list. He promised to give their proposal consideration and get back to them. Mrs. Poole and Derrick were pleased. They did not get an immediate NO this time. Perhaps focusing on assets did make a difference, after all!