A ‘SHIT SANDWICH’ is a method of delivering some bad news, advice, or a rejection of someone’s idea(s).

It is the single greatest tool to increase your productivity, friendships, relationships and more. That’s not hyperbole.

As I learned as an obese child… everything is delicious between bread. Even shit.

Here's how you construct your own.

The 'Bread' Opener

• Give thanks.

• Show respect to the sender.

• ACTUALLY appreciate their time.

• Throw in a compliment to break the ice. Like this…

“Frank you are a genius. I was actually thinking something very similar to you just yesterday. Wow! Great minds think alike.”

The Filling aka 'Shit'

These are the turning points for your response.

• “Unfortunately”

• “However”

• “So… “

• “After thinking this through”

“However, I did a quick cost analysis and it seems the numbers didn’t add up on this. Are you sure you want to proceed?”

The Second Slice' Closer

Effectively close it off with one of these methods:

• Use the ‘it’s out of my hands’ excuse. Pass it up the chain for your boss to reject them.

• Employ the 'shiny cat toy' distraction and show them something else cool.

• Pitch a better idea and give them the credit, kinda.

“I was inspired by your original direction, so I went ahead and drew up this document (attached). You can see that it should totally work and I’m happy to let you take the lead on this. After all, you beat me to the punch anyway by the sounds of it. This just seems like the best way to do it.”

Put it all together and... Send. Bon appétit.

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