There are, of course, a few exceptions to looking for yes. As outlined in the last chapter, SMEs should look for ways to say yes when they interact with a friendly audience, such as customers or colleagues. They shouldn’t look for yes, on the other hand, when communicating with adversaries. Rarely do competitors or detractors merit cooperation. Courtesy certainly, but helpfulness?

Sorry, not so much. They don’t deserve a definitive yes or no. SMEs should look for yes when the audience warrants it.

Legal conversations require special caution. Courtrooms and depositions are not the place for SMEs to portion out generous servings of yesses.

Conversations with judges, law enforcement officers, and lawyers necessitate honesty and candor but not reckless cooperation. Miranda rights in the United States should stand as a warning to all SMEs when dealing with the law: “Anything you say can and will be used against you.” Don’t say yes to those who seek your destruction.