Traction Heroes Eliciting Information
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Jan 11, 2026 Discover the art of elicitation and how it differs from traditional interviewing methods. Learn techniques to gather high-quality information using informal moments and observational strategies. The hosts share a simple yet effective tactic of provocation to reveal insights. Ethical considerations and the importance of compassion in information gathering are discussed, highlighting human advantages over AI. Dive into the nuances of extracting valuable knowledge while maintaining integrity in competitive environments.
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Elicitation Defined And Distinguished
- Elicitation avoids direct questions and uses a conversational tone to reduce defenses and maximize information flow.
- It targets people who may have information but won't admit it or may be unwilling to share it directly.
Left Competitive Intelligence Over Ethics
- Harry described leaving a competitive-intelligence role after being asked to gather intel in ethically uncomfortable ways.
- He drew a personal line when asked to eavesdrop in a competitor's lunchroom and stopped doing that work.
Why Elicitation Matters For Designers
- Elicitation is a distinct, structured skill set separate from interviewing and interrogation.
- It yields higher-quality information by avoiding defenses that distort answers.
